Transmits Aircraft And Engine Data Wirelessly To Monitoring Website

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has announced its largest ever airline order for its Flight Data Acquisition, Storage and Transmission (FAST) solution with the projected sale of nearly 70 units to Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline.

The announcement was made at the European Regions Airline Association’s 35th Annual General Assembly. “Flybe’s fleet of Bombardier Q400 and ATR 72 aircraft are ideally suited for our FAST system and we are working closely with the airline to enable its entire fleet by the end of the year.” said Frédéric Lefebvre, Director, Marketing, P&WC.

“We appreciate P&WC’s commitment to offering a system and solution that efficiently responds to our business needs, “ confirms Paul Simmons, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe. “Our existing fleet of 45 Q400s will now include 24 more with FAST technology and our new fleet of ATRs will also have them installed.”

FAST is the latest innovation in P&WC’s suite of advanced diagnostic solutions. Within minutes of shutting down after a flight or an engine ground run, FAST will transmit the key engine and aircraft data wirelessly to WebECTM, which is accessible via the Internet, and will also email key engine fault codes directly to the customer.

In addition, FAST can transmit the full flight data recorder (FDR) file and transfer this directly to the operator’s Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) provider for analysis. These actions take place automatically after each flight.

The FAST system eliminates the need for costly scheduled maintenance interventions to access the aircraft, connect to the engine management unit (EMU) and FDR and obtain data files. It is designed to transmit the data, in a function-friendly format, where and when needed. This means rapid post-flight access to information on a Web interface, which allows for remote aircraft troubleshooting and faster return to service. Operators can then maximize aircraft availability, schedule and optimize line maintenance activities and reduce delays and cancellations. “FAST’s high quality, full flight data enables Flybe’s focus on sustainability and fuel burn, providing the data needed to optimize operations for maintenance costs and fuel burn, “ adds Lefebvre.

“P&WC has introduced FAST Phase 2 for Q400 operators,” says Lefebvre. “Phase 2 offers another level of data analysis and monitoring based on the feedback of Q400 operators who have been using the system since its introduction in 2011.” Phase 2 of FAST includes a number of special metrics including data on vertical acceleration which assists in managing subsequent heavy landings and turbulence and will help prevent delays and cancellations, and the monitoring of fuel and main oil temperatures.

(Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.pwc.ca