Flight Data Monitoring

Transcription

1 Flight Data Monitoring Lindsay Cunningham, American Eurocopter Joint Helicopter Safety Implementation Team Stuart Kipp Lau, CAPACG, LLC. Joint Helicopter Safety Implementation Team 1

2 CHC Safety and Quality Summit Summit Theme: The Future of Human Error Management in Aviation Session Theme: The role of Flight Data Monitoring in effectively managing human error and identifying vulnerabilities in the aviation system. Key Deliverable: A path to global FDM implementation and cooperation amongst stakeholders. 2

3 Helicopter FDM & the Oil and Gas Industry Operator Bristow Bristow/Air Logistics CHC Cougar Helicopters Era Aviation PHI Arkansas Children s Hospital Baldwin Aviation Primary Industry (Secondary) Oil and Gas (SAR) Oil and Gas Oil and Gas (SAR) Oil and Gas (SAR) Oil and Gas (EMS) Oil and Gas (EMS) EMS Multi/Organizational based 3

4 Overview: Introduction IHST FDM activities Brief FDM/FOQA history Airline and Helicopter Program management Practical applications of FDM Approved and non-approved programs Available resources Discussion 4

5 Why are we here? Reduce accidents save lives!!! 5

6 JHSAT Standard Problem Statements: Q: What other areas can be impacted by FDM? 6

7 JHSAT Intervention Categories Training Safety Management Information Maintenance Systems & Equipment Regulatory Instructional Infrastructure Frequency

8 US JHSAT Recommendations: Utilize flight data monitoring systems such as HOMP or FOQA to evaluate flight operations and to address unsafe/undesirable flight crew habits. Install flight data retrieval systems such as: Cockpit image recorder Flight parameter recorder Cockpit information recorder Quick Access Recorder (QAR) Multi-function data acquisition unit (MFDAU) Cockpit voice flight data recorder (CVFDR) Source: Year 2000 U.S. JHSAT Report 8

9 Why do we need flight data? Additional data source for information in accident investigation Accident prevention due to operational oversight Support implementation of flight data monitoring system (FOQA/HOMP/HUMS) Can be utilized for training Data validation in the event of an incident Acquisition of fleet data for operator 9

10 Information Recommendation Strategies: Install flight data retrieval systems, and utilize this equipment to implement flight data monitoring systems such as HOMP/FOQA/HUMS. Publish flight data retrieval & management system guidance for industry Sponsor flight data monitoring workshop at Heli-Expo 2009 and IHSS 2009 Encourage airframe and avionics Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop and install low-cost flight data retrieval systems 10

11 Information Recommendation Strategies: Work with accident investigation authorities to increase data gathered in accident investigations. Developed helicopter accident checklist to trigger deeper investigation into unique aspects of helicopter operations Ongoing effort to support investigative authorities with data and investigations and inform them of relevant industry safety issues Additional sources of information such as flight data retrieval systems will augment information available to investigators 11

12 Flight Data Monitoring: How can you fix what you don t know? How can you improve what you don t measure? 12

13 Exploring FDM in HEMS no formal programs, yet. Recommendations from NTSB Hearings AAMS AMOA HAI Flight data retrieval systems for helicopters FOQA programs Interest from several operators such as Air Methods, Tramahawk, OmniFlight, etc. IHST/FSF HEMS FOQA Trial 13

14 Initial Steps 14

15 Flight Data Monitoring History 1960s FDM with British Airways and TAP Air Portugal 1993 FSF recommends FOQA beyond airlines Late 1990s Airline FOQA becomes commonplace 2002 Final CAA HOMP trial paper issued June 2005 FSF/NBAA C-FOQA Trial Late 2006 New recorder technology enables GA FDM 2008 Bristow/Air Logistics FAA-approved HOMP 2009 IHST/FSF Helicopter FDM Trial 15

16 What is a flight data monitoring system? Current Intervention Point FDM Intervention Point The accident that finally occurs. For the few incidents that are reported, which ultimately results in Hundreds near misses, incidents and events go unreported The Heinrich Pyramid Data from Appareo Systems LLC, Feb

17 Question: Why Flight Data Monitoring? For every major accident there are several less significant accidents, hundreds of reportable incidents and thousands of unreported incidents. Below this lie the normal variations present in all operations. Information sources added FDM gives more detail on the incidents, encourages more consistent reporting and fills in the void below this that we know very little about. (HOMP Study) 17

18 Flight Data Monitoring defined Definition: A systematic method of accessing, analyzing and acting upon information obtained from digital flight data records of routine operations to improve safety FDM involves the pro-active use of flight data to identify and address operational risks before they can lead to incidents and accidents. (HOMP Study UK CAA, Shell Aircraft, Bristow and BA leads to adoption by UKOOA) Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) is the technology and methodology for collecting and analyzing data recorded in flight. (FAA) 18

19 Answer: Discovering the unknown! The HOMP (trial) provided valuable new information on the risks associated with helicopter offshore operations. Events have identified hazards which otherwise would not have come to light. The operator has been able to take appropriate corrective and preventative measures. The measurements are building a useful picture of everyday operations which has not previously available. The HOMP has shown how pro-active use of flight data in a FDM program can significantly enhance the safety of helicopter offshore operations. (HOMP Study - CAA Paper 2002/02) 19

20 FDM by any other name FOQA Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FAA) FDA Flight Data Analysis (ICAO) FDM Flight Data Monitoring (CHC) HFDM Helicopter Flight Data Monitoring (Cougar) HOMP Helicopter Operations Monitoring Program (Bristow/Air Log) LAMP* Line Activity Monitoring Program (PHI) HUMS Health & Usage Monitoring Program (MX) MOQA Maintenance Operational Quality Assurance (MX) 20

21 What is FOQA? Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) is an FAA program that standardizes the FDM process for interested parties. (AC ) FOQA versus ASAP Landscape US Airlines Major Carrier Regional Carrier ASAP 93 percent 91 percent FOQA 86 percent 10 percent NTSB FAA Shared Vision Conference

22 What s up with ASAP? Aviation Safety Action Program a voluntary reporting system for employees of certain certificate holders. A partnership between the FAA, certificate holder and 3 rd party such as a labor organization. (AC ) Easier to implement than FOQA fewer barriers such as cost associated with fleet equipage and ground analysis stations (WBAT offered at no-cost) ASAP in the news In 2008, a number of US airlines suspended their ASAP (Delta, American, US Airways) over concerns of program management. Most have reconciled differences and have crafted new MOUs. 22

23 Lessons learned: Airlines Over 30 years of FDM experience A mature global system (ICAO mandate) Active information sharing through the following (US example): Over 5 years of infoshare meetings Current Aviation Safety Information and Sharing (ASIAS) process Following sequence of slides courtesy of the Flight Safety Foundation 23

24 There were no fatalities or injuries There was no mechanical damage to the aircraft No Air Safety reports were submitted (assumed) Therefore, no investigation was carried out and no lessons were learned Except perhaps by the crew concerned 24

25 If we can detect this. 25

26 maybe we can prevent this.. 26

27 Best Practices using understanding analysing 27

28 FOQA produces results: Hull losses as % of total hulls flying 0.4 % 0.3 % 0.2 % World average Last 28 FOQA users Middle 11 FOQA users First 6 FOQA users 0.1 % 0 % Source : Skandia

29 Beyond safety Operational benefits of FOQA Orange County (KSNA) Noise Study Problem legacy alternate departure procedure mandated by airport property leases Procedure required deep cutback of thrust noise monitored by airport authority (3 rd type of TO procedure) High bypass turbofans introduced Legacy aircraft no longer operate into SNA procedure remained 29

30 Troublesome procedure FOQA studies showed high rate of the following events: Pitch High on Takeoff High Rotation Rate Climb Speed Low AQP data indicated high number of unsuccessful departures. Actual observed stick shaker events and one reported bird strike at high pitch/low energy 30

31 SNA Noise Study a success story Airline study involved: Simulator trials Actual flight test utilizing all takeoff procedures and engine combinations Airport Authority waived noise violations during test flights Results validated simulator trials and procedure was changed industry wide Airline conducting study benefited from increased operational flexibility, fuel savings and a wider safety margin 31

32 How did others learn from this lesson? OLD individual silos New free flow of information UAL UPS DL AMR SWA JBLU 32

33 Model for the helicopter industry Example S-76 operators (segments, locale, etc.) Current individual silos Future free flow of information EMSI OFI- Gulf VIPI OFI N.ATL Heli EMSI- CAN 33

34 Program Management Decisions 34

35 FOQA is not a silver bullet Flight Operational Quality Assurance Programs are only effective when coupled with an active SMS in a just culture. Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) is only effective when coupled with an active SMS in a just culture. NO YES 35

36 Caution! Upon implementation - organizations must be prepared for immediate results following AC will reduce the likelihood of a surprise. Be aware of the different emotions associated with FOQA implementation Geez that s neat Wow, we re collecting a lot of data Crap, how do we manage all of this information 36

37 Program Management Decisions Process begins with needs assessment. Include all stakeholders Maintenance 37

38 MOST Model Maintenance Engine trend monitoring Exceedance reports HUMS Trouble shooting Fuel savings Operations Insurance reductions Automated data transfer from aircraft Automated OOOI reporting Automated billing Fuel savings Automated aircraft tracking Training Provide feedback to instructor/students (e debrief) Validation of training programs Training footprint analysis and adjustment Safety Fleet oversight SOP adherence ID of adverse safety trends Uncover threats and errors Mitigate risk 38 38

39 Program Management Decisions Corporate Infrastructure Size of company Safety organization IT department Personnel Cost FT/PT FMT Flight Qualified? Revenue/productivity lost Training Workforce stability 39

40 Program Management Decisions Approved versus nonapproved or informal Establish program IAW AC (recommendation) Different motives (next) Air Logistics/Bristow PHI Incentives of FAAapproved programs 40

41 A tale of two tail rotors: Air Logistics HOMP Pro-active FDM system Integral part of SMS Customer requirement Employee acceptance Offshore operations Monitors Bell 206/407 (ALERTS) and S-76 and S-92 w/ Flightscape FAA-approved status PHI s LAMP Pro-active FDM system Integral part of SMS Customer requirement Employee acceptance Offshore operations Monitors S-76 and S-92 w/ Flightscape Non-approved status 41

42 One size doesn t fit all Both organizations made a corporate decision on the status of their program (explained in detail in respective HeliExpo presentations posted on site). PHI explains: No PHI objections to an FAA Approved Program, and we may decide to move that direction in the future Our program has developed extremely well and has become quite robust Has been very effective as is 42

43 FOQA Benefits FAA approved programs Enforcement incentives FAR violations will not be pursued if revealed only by FOQA and receive corrective action and do not involve criminal or intentional actions. Data protection FOQA data will be de-identified and protected from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) release under FAR Part 193. FAA Legal Office will defend any attempts to override Part 193 by other authorities. (FAA AFS-230) Future industry information sharing is key to establishing a global FDM community ASIAS process relies on information from approved programs 43

44 Program Management Decisions Technology Selection Fleet types (stability) Common across fleets Fleet equipage survey What s installed? Available equipment STC versus 337 installations Ground analysis tools Web-based 44

45 FDM Process the 4 R s Record Aircraft flight data (FDR/DFDAU/QAR/WQAR) Light Recorder (Appareo ALERTS) Retrieve Manual, electronic or wireless Review Validate, classify and analyze with ground analysis station Report FMT review, meaningful findings and recommendations, group review to determine operational and training impact. 45

46 A quick recap Properly managed SMS components convert data into useful information and the end user gains knowledge based on facts that reduce risk and increase safety* *enhanced, thanks to Dick Healing, R3 Consulting 46

47 What is a flight data monitoring system? Involves capturing and analyzing flight data to determine if the pilot, aircraft systems, or aircraft itself deviated from normal operating conditions Data allows analysts to investigate predefined exceedances for corrective action and trend analysis Designed to respond to normally unreported events to modify procedures and behavior in a non-punitive manner and thereby prevent accidents. 47

48 Challenges of flight data monitoring systems: Resistance from the pilot community; an effective flight data management program must be nonpunitive JUST CULTURE! Non-standard format of flight data; for operators with mixed equipment, a standard data format must be developed for effective data analysis. Diversity of helicopter operations; diverse operating environment and requirements make it difficult to set standard event triggers 48

49 Proven Benefits of flight data monitoring systems: Significant increase in safety and reduction of accidents Airline industry for more than a decade Offshore helicopter operations Significant cost savings Modified procedures impending failure detections Source of empirical data for operations analysis and evaluation of existing and new procedures and programs 49

50 FDM Resources 1. FAA inform local POI and AFS FAA AC (FOQA)/AC (SMS) 3. FAA AC (ASAP) 4. FSF Flight Safety Digest 1998 and other resources at 5. Vendors on display 6. IHST FDM Tool Kit (release date TBD) 7. FDM Workshop participants 8. HOMP Study -CAA Paper 2002/02 50

51 Discussion/Questions? 51

52 THANK YOU STUART KIPP LAU VICE PRESIDENT OF FDM SERVICES 52