Automated Aircraft Flight Data Recording System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft log book systems require manual data entry, leading to human error and time delays, especially when aircraft operate far from robust support systems, and lack a unified, coherent method for tracking flight and maintenance data across different agencies and purposes.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that collects real-time data from aircraft systems and components using onboard monitoring systems, transmitting it to a terrestrial network via satellite or cellular connections, eliminating the need for manual entry and providing a unified database for accurate and timely reporting, with features for compliance checking and alerting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual data entry is used in aircraft log book systems, then system complexity is reduced, but labor hours and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-recording of flight data through onboard sensors and systems that automatically capture and transmit operational parameters without requiring manual data entry by crew members or ground personnel
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical data entry processes are replaced with electronic automated data collection and transmission systems that directly interface with aircraft sensors and databases
2Device complexity
If manual data entry is used in aircraft log book systems, then device complexity is reduced, but accuracy deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-recording of flight data through onboard sensors and systems that automatically capture and transmit operational parameters without requiring manual data entry by crew members or ground personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated verification and validation processes that check data integrity and provide feedback loops to ensure accurate recording and transmission of flight information
3Extent of automation
If manual data retrieval and processing is used, then automation extent is reduced, but time delays increase especially when aircraft operate far from support systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated data collection, validation, and preparation during flight operations, so that when aircraft are far from support systems, the data is already processed and ready for transmission without requiring time-consuming manual retrieval and processing
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical data entry processes are replaced with electronic automated data collection and transmission systems that directly interface with aircraft sensors and databases
4Device complexity
If multiple people are required to maintain updates, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to extensive labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-recording of flight data through onboard sensors and systems that automatically capture and transmit operational parameters without requiring manual data entry by crew members or ground personnel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring aircraft operation status comprising the steps of transmitting aircraft operation data from an on-board monitoring system of an aircraft while in a cruising phase of flight in at least one of a continuous transmission and a batched transmission while in flight and receiving aircraft operation data in the form of at least one of the continuous transmission and the batched transmission from the aircraft in flight, the form of the aircraft operation data being responsive to at least one of phase of flight, network traffic across a communication device associated with the aircraft, or network traffic across a network associated with the aircraft. The method further comprises identifying the aircraft associated with the aircraft operation data and recording the aircraft operation data to an aircraft database.