FOQA

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Flight Operations Quality Assurance.

We're all drowning in data. The simple idea behind FOQA is to capture and analyze myriad points of information generated by moving an aircraft through the air from one point to another, then apply that analysis to discover ways to increase aviation flight safety and improve operational efficiency.

Several airlines and military squadrons, both foreign and domestic, have initiated data-intensive FOQA (pronounced PHOU-kua) programs to collect, store and analyze recorded flight data. The goal is to improve the unit's overall aviation safety, maintenance effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Many European airlines are required to utilize FOQA or flight data management programs (Europe prefers the term "FDM") by regional legislation. However in the United States, the FAA does not require FOQA programs for commercial operators. The data recorded can be both pilot generated and/or mechanically induced. A significant barrier to wider adoption in the United States is pilot's universal lack of trust in who will see and act on the flight data once it is recorded and studied.

The FAA defined FOQA in its Advisory Circular #120-82, dated April 12, 2004. The agency's Air Transportation Operations Inspector's Handbook (FAA Order 8400.10, dated August 9, 2006) details what a valid FOQA system contains. An excerpt from Volume 1, Chapter 5, Section 2, page 1-221 of this FAA document states: “Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) is a voluntary safety program designed to improve aviation safety through the proactive use of flight-recorded data."

In India, Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made it mandatory for any airline operator to do Flight Data Analysis for Flight Safety. Instruction clearly states the need of Flight Safety department for all scheduled operators. Nonscheduled operators are required to present the Safety Report on Half Yearly basis to DGCA.

Some of the current FOQA vendors are


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