Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)

Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) is a proactive safety management tool that uses recorded flight data to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Outsourcing FDM services allows operators to effectively monitor trends, analyze risks, and implement improvements without maintaining a dedicated in-house team.

Services Offered by Outsourced FDM Providers

Event Detection and Reporting:

Automated identification of significant flight events, such as hard landings, altitude deviations, or unstable approaches.

Trend Analysis and Safety Recommendations:

Analysis of long-term trends to identify and mitigate recurring safety risks.

Customizable Thresholds:

Define operational thresholds to align FDM analysis with your organization's specific safety objectives.

Pilot Feedback Integration:

Generate actionable reports to support pilot debriefs and continuous improvement.

Regulatory Compliance Support:

Ensure compliance with aviation regulations, including ICAO Annex 6 and EASA Air Ops requirements.

Why Outsource FDM Services?

Startups & Smaller Operators (e.g., Air Taxi): Outsourcing FDM helps these entities manage safety monitoring without needing in-house experts. Ensures safety compliance without the cost and complexity of maintaining in-house expertise.
Mid-Sized Airline Operators: All outsourcing, such as custom event detection and trend analysis, helps improve performance and reduce risks.
Larger Operators: Pooling or subcontracting specific FDM tasks improves scalability and resource optimization.

Access to seasoned experts with specialized tools and insights.
Reduce staffing and operational costs.
Enhance safety culture and regulatory compliance.

Benefits of Outsourcing FDM Services

Access to Expertise and Advanced Analytics:
- FDM providers employ professionals with experience in aviation safety and data analysis, ensuring your operations meet the highest standards.
- Advanced algorithms and tools provide insights that go beyond basic data review, uncovering hidden trends and risks.
Cost Efficiency:
- Avoid the expense of hiring and training dedicated FDM analysts.
- Use ready-made systems for data monitoring and analysis without significant capital investment.
Customizable Solutions:
- Choose specific services like event detection, fleet trend analysis, or performance benchmarking, tailored to your operational needs.

Conditions for Outsourcing FDM Tasks

Commercial Air Transport (CAT): Outsourcing is common, but operators remain accountable for implementing safety actions.
Non-CAT Commercial and Private Operations: Full outsourcing is permissible, offering flexibility for smaller operators or flight schools.

Key Elements of an Outsourcing Contract

Defined Scope of Work: Specify the FDM tasks to be performed, such as data collection, event detection, and monthly reporting.
Interface Procedures: Establish clear communication protocols between the operator and the FDM provider.
Confidentiality and Data Security: Ensure robust measures for protecting sensitive flight data.
Performance Metrics: Include KPIs for timely reporting, data accuracy, and actionable recommendations.
Audit and Review Mechanisms: Allow periodic audits to evaluate the FDM provider’s performance.

Auditing Services – Ensuring Continuous Safety Improvements

We provide comprehensive auditing services to ensure that FDM systems and processes align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Operator Audits: Evaluate the implementation of FDM insights and safety actions within your organization.
Provider Audits: Ensure that outsourced FDM providers meet contractual obligations and deliver value.

Advantages of Outsourcing FDM Tasks

Enhanced Safety Culture: Leverage continuous monitoring and risk identification to foster a proactive safety approach.
Scalability: As operations grow, outsourcing ensures consistent FDM coverage without overburdening internal resources.
Financial Flexibility: Focus on operational growth while keeping FDM costs predictable and manageable.