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Copyright ©
2008
Aerobytes
Ltd
Reg. England &
Wales 4191887
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Introducing Flight Data Monitoring
Flight Data Monitoring
is known variously as FDM, FOQA, MOQA (Military), GDRAS, HOMP
and several other names. The idea is the same - FDM / FOQA is
a quality assurance tool and the thing being measured is the
aircraft and how it is flown
The table below gives an idea of the processes involved and
compares it to a manufacturing process.
| Process |
Manufacturer |
Airline |
| Recording
measurements |
Either testing
the product or measuring it |
FDR or QAR
records values that are downloaded |
| Analysing
measurements |
Determining
whether the product is within tolerance or working
correctly and can be shipped |
Analysing the
flight data to determine whether there have been
operational or mechanical values that are outside safe
or economical limits. |
| Reviewing
problems |
Examining
samples to determine extent of problem |
Viewing flight
data to check analysis |
| Implement
actions |
Do something to
find out why the problem with that sample occurred |
Investigate a
particular flight in more detail |
| Audit actions |
See whether the
action was completed |
See whether the
action was completed |
| Review
Statistics |
Determine waste |
Trend flight
data to find developing trends or long term problems |
| Implement and
record corrective actions |
Decide on
processes changes and make changes |
decide on
suitable technique(s) to make changes (email,
newsletter, training etc) to inform educate and train
and record |
| Review (audit)
effect of corrective actions |
Review whether
actions have the desired effect and make more changes if
necessary. |
Review whether
actions have the desired effect and make more changes if
necessary. |
This is a continuous
improvement process.
Without
corrective actions you will not
improve safety or economy
Aerobytes' FDM /
FOQA software is the only FDM / FOQA software to allow users
to record their actions, display them over the statistics and
close the quality assurance loop.
The UK/CAA has produced an excellent
guide on the practicalities of FDM. This can be
downloaded using our links
and downloads page.
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