Analysis Techniques for Helicopter Flight Data Recordings

Wednesday, March 6 | | 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N261
Safety Management Track

Simple sensor-based and image-based flight data recorders (FDRs) are suitable for all general aviation and can provide a wealth of useful information: to operators about their day-to-day operations; to flight instructors and their students regarding flight training progress; to maintenance engineers in the form of diagnostics; and to accident investigators in the event of an incident. This course will introduce attendees to the concepts surrounding simple, low-cost FDRs for small- to medium-sized helicopters, and will demonstrate how to use data sets and simple software tools to deliver significant safety and cost benefits.

Learning Objectives/Benefits

The attendees will be introduced to the concept of simple, low-cost FDRS and the flight-safety benefits they can deliver to operators of small- to medium-sized helicopters. These benefits include optimization of pilot training and early identification of maintenance issues, both of which can result in cost savings for the operator.

Following the course, attendees will have increased awareness of the application of simple FDRs and insight into the information that can be obtained through the analysis of data sets using simple software tools.

Instructor

Born in Scotland in 1968, Alan Barclay has been working with computer and electronic systems in various safety-critical industries and environments for the past 20 years. Since becoming a private helicopter pilot in 2000 and a fixed-wing pilot in 2001, he has focused much of his spare time on exploring the use of miniature, low-cost FDRs and simple software tools for enhancing flight safety. When not working, he spends his time with his large family and out running or skiing.