Luke Bowman

Flight data monitoring of aircraft has proven to be an invaluable safety tool in identifying procedure and operating technique enhancements. Simulator data capture and analytics using the same tools, criteria and event sets is the next evolution to complete the safety picture.

The concept of processing simulator data has been widely explored in years past, and many applications look at the data for training performance assessment, however the ability to utilize the same tools as aircraft flight data processing now allows for direct comparison of virtual and actual flight operations. Beyond parameter comparison, using individual flight replay tools, operators will be able to provide crewmembers the ability to view a comparison of training and real-world aircraft operation.

Often the counter to monitoring flight safety parameters in training is simulator activities frequently involve abnormal configuration and operations. While true, the importance of stabilized approach is more important to safe landing completion in these situations given the potential for distraction. Furthermore, the criteria for ensuring adequate safety margins in normal operations should not be eroded when the aircraft has reduced operating margin due to an anomaly.

Additionally, features extracted from simulator data can augment both the instructor and student experience to provide meaningful new information which is not available today to pilots in training. By sharing this data freely among all of the participants in the training experience, and then by providing individualized pilot data from flight data monitoring programs on a continuous basis, an important connection can be setup between recurrent training and line operations.

Simulator operation monitoring and comparison to real world operation of the aircraft are the only way to ensure real world operations and training are fully aligned and focused appropriately to ensure safety margins are emphasized in the virtual world to protected real world flight operations.