Tag Archives for " flight data analysis "

Mythbusting – Safety Management Systems Help Even the Safest Operators

MYTH: If you have a solid safety management system, you don’t need to monitor flight data.

FACT: Even the best operators can benefit from a flight data monitoring program.

There is a common misconception that safety management systems and tools like flight data monitoring are there to help the operators with the poorest track records to improve. While these tools can be a tremendous help to such operators, introduction of flight data monitoring systems to operators with great safety records can still make a lasting impact.

For one example, look no further than the Bristow Group’s performance from 2007 to 2015.

By any measure, compared against the industry and peers, the Bristow Group had a fantastic safety track record. But even though Bristow was starting from a position where their accident rate was half of their industry, through safety management systems and flight data monitoring Bristow was able to cut their average accident rate by a factor of 10 over a six-year period.

No matter how consistently safe, or how much an operation has been struggling, flight data monitoring can be an incredible tool for driving lasting gains in safety and operational efficiency.

Contact us today for a conversation about how flight data monitoring tools can bring value to your operations.

Kris Garberg – President, Appareo Aviation

https://www.appareo.com/2020/11/17/mythbusting-safety-management-systems-help-even-the-safest-operators/

Appareo Releases Major Upgrade to Web-Based Flight Data Analysis Software

FARGO, North Dakota (May 18, 2020) — Appareo today released a major architectural upgrade to Appareo EnVision, the company’s analysis software system for Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) or Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) programs. Appareo EnVision is a web-based application that allows fleet operators to access past and current flight data, generate detailed reports, and trend the safety improvements in their operations. Prior to this release, the software accepted flight data captured by Appareo’s Vision 1000 cockpit recorder. With this architectural rewrite, the Appareo EnVision web app can now accept flight data from other devices, including other Appareo flight data recorders and even third-party sources. 

“While many flight analysis applications require significant technical capability to operate with effectiveness, EnVision was built with a focus on ease of use” said David Batcheller, President & CEO of Appareo. The software provides deep access to raw data while delivering it in a simple, clean interface to automatically filter flight data and identify flights that require further review. 

The Importance of Flight Analysis 
FDM and FOQA programs have proven effective in improving safety and decreasing the occurrence of incidents or accidents when the program follows three simple practices: 1) identify deviations, 2) implement corrective actions, and 3) measure results.

Identifying deviations from standard operating procedures (SOP) is not an indication of irresponsible or deliberately malicious behavior by pilots. Deviations often occur because humans are susceptible to the “normalization of deviance.” This phrase describes a process in which deviance becomes normalized if it doesn’t result in an instantaneous negative consequence. While some operating procedures may seem inconvenient or unimportant, the right mix of variables could result in a deviance turning deadly. That is the reason behind the expression, “aviation regulations are written in blood.”

Appareo CEO David Batcheller shares his own personal experience with normalization of deviance: “I moved into a new neighborhood which had a stop sign near my house. For months I didn’t see another car when I came to the stop sign every day. After a while, I started to roll through the stop, then coast through the stop, and eventually I forgot the stop sign was there entirely. Flash forward to harvest season when I discovered that the intersection became very busy, and I was nearly broadsided by a truck as I ignored the stop sign. Fortunately that was a near miss, but that incident could have been fatal. It’s the kind of thing that routinely happens in all walks of life, flight operations included. Flight Data Monitoring and Flight Operations Quality Assurance programs should be thought of as the kindly local sheriff in the rearview mirror who is ready to provide a reminder that rules are important when our more fallible human inclinations take over.”

How It Works
Data is transferred from an aircraft to a local computer via SD card, then uploaded to Appareo servers for analysis. That transmission can happen instantaneously or it can be scheduled for a different time of day, based on the user’s preferences. “The scheduling feature was developed for our customers who have operations in remote locations with limited internet bandwidth,” said Batcheller. “They appreciate the ability to schedule their data file transmission to take place during periods of low network activity.”

Once data is received, the EnVision software parses all flight data against customized event triggers that were defined by the user based on their organization’s flight operating procedures. The process of configuring those event triggers is one of EnVision’s most powerful features; using a simple interface and drop-down menu, users can define the events that are important to monitor, and specify the parameters that indicate when a flight has deviated from flight ops.

Detailed reports are easily generated from those events, delivering the information that operators want to monitor and the ability to trend that information over time. Comprehensive data for every flight is archived on the Appareo servers, giving customers convenient online access to their data whenever it’s needed.

Appareo EnVision is offered as a per-aircraft subscription service with no user limits, and includes the hosting of stored flight data. To learn more about Appareo’s turnkey flight data monitoring solutions, visit Appareo.com/FDM-FOQA.

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About Appareo 
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and design offices in Tempe, Ariz. and Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.
 
About FDM and FOQA
FDM and FOQA programs are one of the NTSB’s Top 10 Most Wanted and an area of strong recommendation from the NTSB to the FAA for new rulemaking to improve the safety of Part 135 operations.  
 
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https://www.appareo.com/2020/05/18/appareo-releases-major-upgrade-to-web-based-flight-data-analysis-software/

AirSprint Private Aviation Expands Safety Commitment with Appareo Flight Data Monitoring Systems

AirSprint Private Aviation, a Canadian privately-held fractional aircraft ownership company based in Calgary, has selected the Appareo Vision 1000 Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) System for their Cessna Citation CJ fleet of aircraft. The agreement is for two systems initially, with options for 10 additional units.

AirSprint’s commitment to safety includes sophisticated Safety and Quality Management Systems, airline quality pilot procedures, in-house aircraft maintenance, and thorough pilot training that far exceeds regulatory requirements. AirSprint’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures they remain diligent, looking at each flight as an opportunity to forever improve the level of safety.

AirSprint is one of the first private jet operators to choose Vision 1000 for Flight Data Monitoring. “AirSprint introduced fractional ownership to the Canadian market in 2000 with a commitment to safety and service. We have been innovative on both fronts and look at the Vision 1000 FDM system as the next step and ideal solution for maximizing safety for our fractional owners. Once installation is complete on our CJ fleet in 2019, 100% of our more than 10,000 annual flights will be evaluated by FDM. I am excited to work with Appareo and look forward to the addition of the Vision 1000,” said AirSprint’s President and COO, James Elian.

“AirSprint has always been committed to safety,” said Appareo Aviation President Kris Garberg. “We’re pleased to advance our partnership with them as they work toward equipping their fleet with flight data monitoring systems. When it comes to flight safety, there’s nothing more valuable than accurate statistics, actionable trending data, and true visual representations of every moment during a flight,” Garberg said.

Flight Data Monitoring is a critical practice for any operation because the value of having flight performance metrics is very clear in reducing risk. The Vision 1000 is a stand-alone flight data recording solution that captures accurate flight data, plus cockpit audio and imagery. Supported by Appareo’s turnkey FDM analysis software, this information can be used to review and analyze flight operations, allowing operators to identify and mitigate risk. If the unthinkable were to occur, the recorded data is an invaluable investigation tool, providing insights into exactly what, when, why, and how it happened.

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About AirSprint
AirSprint is a privately-held company based in Calgary, AB and maintains the largest fractional fleet of private aircraft in Canada, including the Cessna Citation CJ2+ and CJ3+ and the Embraer Legacy 450, serving Canadians from coast-to-coast including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and the Maritimes. AirSprint provides successful Canadians with a better choice for optimizing their time by enhancing the private jet ownership experience with industry-leading safety standards, exceptional turnkey service, and increased flexibility personalized for their individual travel needs. All at a fraction of the cost. For more information visit www.AirSprint.com

About Appareo
For more than 15 years Appareo has been building a reputation as innovators dedicated to delivering reliable products. With in-house engineering, manufacturing, technology, and testing capabilities, Appareo develops products from concept to completion. The company is certified by all the major aviation and manufacturing regulators. Appareo is privately held, with world headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and design offices in Tempe, Ariz. and Paris, France. All aviation products are designed, developed, built, and supported in the USA. The company currently has a network of 540 dealers and was voted 2017 AEA Association Member of the Year. Visit appareo.com/aviation.

https://www.appareo.com/2018/11/12/airsprint-private-aviation-expands-safety-commitment-with-appareo-flight-data-monitoring-systems/