Copyright © 2011

Aerobytes Ltd

Reg. England & Wales 4191887

 

 

 

 

Hardware (QARs)

If your aircraft have a digital flight-data recorder then it is quite possible for you to use downloads from that device for your FDM program.  However, FDRs can be difficult to access and the requirement for a download unit (and specialised training) can make this option impracticable for daily (or even weekly) downloads.

Please note that it is not acceptable to use data downloaded from tape-based recorders for routine FDM since these devices are not designed for regular download and their use in this way will almost certainly cause premature failure of the FDR.

If your aircraft are already equipped with optical or card-based recorders then you can safely ignore the rest of this section.  Optical QARs have a reputation for poor reliability and slow download but it is probably better to delay any hardware purchase until the need arises (i.e. you start losing too much data or run out of patience waiting for downloads to complete). 

In 90% of cases we have experienced, clients have opted for one of two so-called 'micro' or 'mini' QAR solutions.  These devices are extremely compact (they fit inside a large coffee mug!) and cost just a few thousand dollars each.  On most Boeing aircraft, they can simply be plugged in to an existing connector on the flight-deck.  In other cases, the suppliers (or Aerobytes) will be able to supply the QARs with the relevant Minor Mods/STCs and/or installation kits.

While there are several suppliers of QARs, and the Aerobytes software works with them all, we recommend the L3 QAR as the best solution for the following reasons:

  • quick and easy to download - no specialist download leads or hardware required.
  • easy processing - with the Aerobytes software written especially for the L3 QAR downloading of flight data, copying to the required folder and wiping clean ready for re-use is a one click operation, engineers don't even have to know which aircraft the memory card came from.
  • L3 QARs record continuous date and time - this is a big advantage when trying to match up the flight data with other information.
  • EASA Minor Modification and FAA/STC available for many aircraft types.

Aerobytes has supplied L3-QARs with EASA minor mods and download software for the following aircraft types:

Airbus A300, A310, A31x, A32x, A330, A340
ATR 42, 72
BAe146 (RJ)
Boeing B717, B737-200, B737C, B737NG, B747C, B747-400, B757, B767, B777
CRJ100, CRJ700
DHC7, DHC8
Do328J
Embraer 135, 145, 195
Fokker F100, F50
Gulfstream GIV, GV, G550, G450
MD8x
SAAB 340, 2000

Documentation and kits for other types can be provided upon request. 

Please contact us for a price.

Although QARs would normally be supplied with sufficient storage capacity to handle one or two weeks of normal operational flying, we would recommend downloading at least once per week in order to get the most out of your FDM program.

In some cases, Aerobytes is able to arrange special deals (hardware and software purchased at the same time) so it is certainly worth contacting us to discuss your requirements.

Please see our links and downloads page to obtain contact information for L3.