Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
What Is Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)? | Top Aviation Expert Shares 5 Essential Flight Data Tips!
In this video, I will be talking about the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) program, also known as Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA), Flight Data Analysis (FDA), SMS Flight Data Monitoring, and the Trend Monitoring Program, to name a few.
This video was created with support from Leopold Sartorius, FDM Expert at ATR Flight Operations Support. safety.atr-aircraft.com/my-product/fdm
What You’ll Learn in This Video:
0:44 - What is FDM and why is it critical?
3:18 - Why FDM must be adapted for turboprop operations like ATR.
4:10 - Case study: the importance of adjusting FDM settings for aircraft like the Twin Otter.
4:48 - Building a strong Just Culture in aviation safety programs.
6:36 - The importance of having qualified personnel with specific FDM training.
9:40 - Final thoughts and shout-outs.
What Is Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)?
FDM is the regular collection and analysis of data recorded during flights. This data is used to detect unsafe trends, identify deviations from standard procedures, and ultimately enhance the overall safety of operations. Think of FDM as the “black box” working proactively to prevent incidents—before they happen. It’s an essential part of any modern Safety Management System (SMS).
Originally designed for jet aircraft over 27 tons, FDM systems need to be adapted for turboprop aircraft like the ATR 72 or Viking Twin Otter. These aircraft often operate into remote airports with limited infrastructure, and default FDM settings may produce irrelevant or misleading alerts. For instance, Fiji Link had to adjust their FDM thresholds after false flags appeared due to the steep climb profiles required for lightly loaded Twin Otters.
If you’re an airline operator, pilot, or aviation safety professional, how is FDM implemented at your company? Do you experience challenges with data interpretation or just culture? Let us know in the comments!
If you beloeve AIR SAFETY and FLIGHT SAFETY programs are important to improve the SAFETY MARGINS in aviation, then the CASE STUDY shown in this video will improve AVIATION SAFETY.
#AviationSafety #FlightDataMonitoring #ATR72
What Is Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)? | Top Aviation Expert Shares 5 Essential Flight Data Tips!
In this video, I will be talking about the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) program, also known as Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA), Flight Data Analysis (FDA), SMS Flight Data Monitoring, and the Trend Monitoring Program, to name a few.
This video was created with support from Leopold Sartorius, FDM Expert at ATR Flight Operations Support. safety.atr-aircraft.com/my-product/fdm
What You’ll Learn in This Video:
0:44 - What is FDM and why is it critical?
3:18 - Why FDM must be adapted for turboprop operations like ATR.
4:10 - Case study: the importance of adjusting FDM settings for aircraft like the Twin Otter.
4:48 - Building a strong Just Culture in aviation safety programs.
6:36 - The importance of having qualified personnel with specific FDM training.
9:40 - Final thoughts and shout-outs.
What Is Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)?
FDM is the regular collection and analysis of data recorded during flights. This data is used to detect unsafe trends, identify deviations from standard procedures, and ultimately enhance the overall safety of operations. Think of FDM as the “black box” working proactively to prevent incidents—before they happen. It’s an essential part of any modern Safety Management System (SMS).
Originally designed for jet aircraft over 27 tons, FDM systems need to be adapted for turboprop aircraft like the ATR 72 or Viking Twin Otter. These aircraft often operate into remote airports with limited infrastructure, and default FDM settings may produce irrelevant or misleading alerts. For instance, Fiji Link had to adjust their FDM thresholds after false flags appeared due to the steep climb profiles required for lightly loaded Twin Otters.
If you’re an airline operator, pilot, or aviation safety professional, how is FDM implemented at your company? Do you experience challenges with data interpretation or just culture? Let us know in the comments!
If you beloeve AIR SAFETY and FLIGHT SAFETY programs are important to improve the SAFETY MARGINS in aviation, then the CASE STUDY shown in this video will improve AVIATION SAFETY.
#AviationSafety #FlightDataMonitoring #ATR72
