System Records, Analyzes, And Automatically Reports FDM Results For Operators

The FAA has issued an STC to Alakai Technologies for installation of Alakai’s digital Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems and wireless Internet units on Eurocopter AS350 and EC130 helicopters. There are some 4,000 AS350 currently in service with police, forest service, oil exploration, flight-seeing and emergency medical service (EMS) operators worldwide. 

Alakai DFDS

The system gives AS350 operators access to airline-style FDM (also known as Flight Operational Quality Assurance or FOQA) programs at a fraction of the cost for airline systems. Alakai has developed on-board and backend algorithms that turn mountains of raw data into objective, actionable recommendations and decisions, and the system works with older round-dial as well as the latest glass cockpit aircraft.

The flight data monitoring company GA-FDM will immediately begin offering the Alakai system to AS350 operators worldwide. GA-FDM analyzes the volume of data produced from each flight to help operators identify accident precursors, reduce risks, enhance training, and reduce operating costs. Detailed FDM reports highlight aircraft and pilot performance, guided by expert suggestions for preventive and corrective measures. Customers experience significant operational savings, including reduced fuel and maintenance costs, safety improvements, enhanced training, and lower insurance costs.

“We are excited to begin operational use in the AS350 fleet,” said Scott Meacham, co-founder of GA-FDM. “Alakai’s equipment makes comprehensive FDM programs affordable for single or small operators as well as large fleet customers, and allows operators to use objective data, information and knowledge to manage risk and assure continual safety improvements in their operations. Flight Data Monitoring is a critical component of every predictive and efficient Safety Management System.”

FMI: www.alakai1.com, www.ga-fdm.com