Digital Flight Data System Designed to Improve GA Safety

Alakai Technologies Corporation has introduced a Digital Flight Data System (DFDS) for Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22 aircraft, providing these popular aircraft with a "black box” and the ability to record flight data as is mandatory on larger aircraft.

The FAA currently does not require general aviation aircraft with fewer than 10 seats to be equipped with black box recorders, largely because of the expense. Yet these recorders have proven invaluable to the NTSB in preventing and/or determining the cause of aircraft incidents. Without them, it is sometimes impossible for NTSB investigators to draw definitive conclusions.

The new Alakai system offers an affordable solution for Cirrus aircraft. The "always-on” digital recorder monitors engine and aircraft performance in real time and records 61 critical aircraft, engine and flight parameters, creating a permanent safety data record for every flight. For Cirrus owners and operators, installation of the digital flight data system is expected to enhance future safety and potentially lower insurance rates.

"An onboard flight data recorder makes sense on general aviation aircraft and is an effective way to enhance aviation safety. The system's capabilities will go a long way toward helping the National Transportation Safety Board and manufacturers improve safety records and avoid critical malfunctions,” said Brian Morrison, President of Alakai Technologies. "Because flight data recorders previously have been cost- prohibitive, the FAA has not required them on smaller planes. With an affordable solution finally available, even smaller, privately-owned and operated planes can be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an important safety feature.”

The Alakai Digital Flight Data System is an outgrowth of another Alakai product, the Engine Trend Monitoring System (ETMS). ETMS was developed for air taxi operators, who employ the Cirrus aircraft for point-to-point air taxi operations under Part 135 regulations. ETMS provides a virtual "on-board maintenance expert” solely dedicated to collecting, interpreting and analyzing data about how a piston engine is performing. This takes the guesswork out of aircraft maintenance, transitioning required record- keeping from a time-consuming, manual procedure to a real-time, in-flight automated, electronic record.

FMI: www.alakai1.com