Wed, Oct 25, 2006
Digital Flight Data System Designed to Improve GA Safety
Alakai Technologies Corporation has
introduced a Digital Flight Data System (DFDS) for Cirrus SR-20 and
SR-22 aircraft, providing these popular aircraft with a "black
box” and the ability to record flight data as is mandatory on
larger aircraft.
The FAA currently does not require general aviation aircraft
with fewer than 10 seats to be equipped with black box recorders,
largely because of the expense. Yet these recorders have proven
invaluable to the NTSB in preventing and/or determining the cause
of aircraft incidents. Without them, it is sometimes impossible for
NTSB investigators to draw definitive conclusions.
The new Alakai system offers an affordable solution for Cirrus
aircraft. The "always-on” digital recorder monitors engine
and aircraft performance in real time and records 61 critical
aircraft, engine and flight parameters, creating a permanent safety
data record for every flight. For Cirrus owners and operators,
installation of the digital flight data system is expected to
enhance future safety and potentially lower insurance rates.
"An onboard flight data recorder makes sense on general aviation
aircraft and is an effective way to enhance aviation safety. The
system's capabilities will go a long way toward helping the
National Transportation Safety Board and manufacturers improve
safety records and avoid critical malfunctions,” said Brian
Morrison, President of Alakai Technologies. "Because flight data
recorders previously have been cost- prohibitive, the FAA has not
required them on smaller planes. With an affordable solution
finally available, even smaller, privately-owned and operated
planes can be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an
important safety feature.”
The Alakai Digital Flight Data System is an outgrowth of another
Alakai product, the Engine Trend Monitoring System (ETMS). ETMS was
developed for air taxi operators, who employ the Cirrus aircraft
for point-to-point air taxi operations under Part 135 regulations.
ETMS provides a virtual "on-board maintenance expert” solely
dedicated to collecting, interpreting and analyzing data about how
a piston engine is performing. This takes the guesswork out of
aircraft maintenance, transitioning required record- keeping from a
time-consuming, manual procedure to a real-time, in-flight
automated, electronic record.
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