A robust flight data monitoring (FDM) program can improve operator safety, maintenance and operational efficiency — and SKYTRAC Systems has a mission to help operators of all sizes unlock these benefits.
A long-time specialist in real-time monitoring and satellite communications, SKYTRAC has offered FDM solutions since 2014.
“We found our clients were looking for a simpler, timelier way to add accurate data points to their SMS, training and maintenance programs,” said SKYTRAC vice president of sales Jan van der Heul.
“Our operators generally fell into two categories. Those that had existing FDM programs were looking for ways to update their metrics to the latest standards while speeding the reporting process. Those just getting started needed a solution that could bring them online quickly and with concrete results,” said Van der Heul.
In 2017, the company offers end-to-end FDM programs to suit both needs. SKYTRAC uses a blend of automated data processing and manual analysis to build rich and objective analytics into everyday aviation safety and maintenance functions.
At the core of the system is SKYTRAC’s robust ISAT-200A Data Acquisition platform. This hardware captures and analyzes incoming data from virtually any onboard sensor system. With its wide range of digital, analog and discrete inputs, and audio-visual recording options, the system offers some of the most comprehensive acquisition capabilities available.
Acting as an onboard data processor, the ISAT-200A then analyzes high risk events live in flight. Real-time alerts are sent over the Iridium network as email or SMS messages. In this way, designated ground crew are made aware of any critical incident as soon as it occurs.
Post-flight (or during flight as the need arises) full flight logs are sent automatically to a central database via Iridium satellite connection. For those who do not have an existing FDM team on staff, information is manually reviewed by a team of analysts, fully validated, and presented to the operator in the form of self-serve data trending reports, 3D flight visualization, and statistical benchmarking. Those with an existing FDM support team can have the data package parsed and delivered to their preferred analytics software system.
“In addition to providing a robust technology platform, one of our key differentiators comes with our ability to help the operator get up and running efficiently. We recognize that a good FDM program needs to be tailored to the operator. This is why we also offer full project management and implementation services. As the experts in this process, we are there to help the operator define high-value goals, establish an optimal event matrix, and assist with documentation, training and third party systems integration,” said Van der Heul.
SKYTRAC does not stop at flight data monitoring. The real-time communications and rich data acquisition capabilities of their system have led to the development of numerous complementary tools.
In the rotarcraft industry, the ISAT-200A’s onboard analytics and satellite connectivity enables, for the first time, solutions such as real-time health and usage monitoring (HUMS). SKYTRAC foresees that its real-time HUMS capabilities will provide one of the most proactive approaches to HUMS available — helping operators to avoid safety incidents, avert main component failures and reduce aircraft turnaround time.
In 2017, SKYTRAC also introduces a “Digital Cockpit Form” solution. The system uses the ISAT-200A as an onboard server–serving formerly paper based forms onto an electronic flight bag and prepopulating key flight data such as takeoff/landing and engine times. By digitizing and automating standard processes, the system is set to dramatically reduce reporting inaccuracies while improving the time to process flight reports, crew reports and journey logs. The system even has the capability to introduce live weather to the cockpit using the same tools.
“The possibilities offered by our technology platform are endless and we are just getting started,” said Van der Heul. “The launch of the Iridium Next platform in 2018 will only further improve the scope of available services.”
SKYTRAC has roots in aviation data management going back to 1986. The company’s first generation solutions were designed to solve the communications and tracking challenges encountered by remote operators and higher-risk industries such as firefighting, oil-and-gas and Arctic exploration. Through this early experience, SKYTRAC became an expert in monitoring and analysis solutions that could be relied upon under some of aviation’s most demanding operating conditions.
Today, the SKYTRAC SkyWeb online data management portal is the go-to tool for over 6,500 global users. SKYTRAC hardware is installed in over 70 countries and operational on all seven continents. SKYTRAC products and services are designed to meet aerospace AS9100C quality assurance standards. The company has a network of sales representatives and distributors with worldwide coverage, and supports all clients with 24/7 technical support.
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