Collecting and analyzing safety data empowers operators to uncover hidden risks,
enhance training, and foster a proactive safety-first mindset.
What is FDM/FOQA and Why It Matters
Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), also known as Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA), is a proactive safety program that uses recorded flight data to identify and mitigate operational risks. By analyzing data from routine flights, operators can spot trends, detect deviations from standard procedures, and address issues before they lead to incidents.
Historically, FDM was seen as a tool for airlines with large fleets and deep resources. Today, scalable technology and collaborative programs are making FDM accessible to business aviation and smaller operators. Whether it’s tracking unstable approaches, hard landings, or other key safety indicators, FDM equips operators with the information they need to continuously improve safety performance. The goal isn’t to monitor for compliance alone—it’s to create a feedback loop that enhances decision-making, supports pilot training, and builds a culture of proactive safety.
The Case for Safety Data Collection, Analysis, and Sharing
Collecting data is only the first step. The true value of FDM comes from analyzing that data, learning from it, and sharing insights within the organization and across the industry. This collaborative approach magnifies the benefits, helping operators learn from one another while contributing to broader safety improvements.
Key benefits of participating in an FDM/FOQA program include:
- Identifying hidden risks that may not be apparent through traditional safety reports.
- Improving pilot performance by providing objective feedback on operations.
- Enhancing training programs based on real-world data.
- Supporting Safety Management System (SMS) objectives with measurable data.
- Reducing costs and liability exposure through proactive risk mitigation.
- Complements reporting systems such as ASAP as an objective data layer.
Programs like ASIAS (Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing) further encourage operators to contribute de-identified data, creating a shared pool of knowledge that benefits the entire aviation community.
Real-World Impact: Case Studies and Results
Operators that adopt FDM have reported measurable improvements in safety outcomes. For example:
- A flight department identified repeated deviations below glidepath on approach, prompting targeted training and improved procedures.
- Data analysis revealed cold-weather brake freeze issues, leading to operational changes that prevented future occurrences.
- Operators have seen significant reductions in serious events such as runway excursions, loss of control in-flight, and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
Participation in long-term FDM programs shows a clear trend: the longer operators engage with their data, the greater the safety improvements. Some operators have achieved over 40% reductions in event rates after a decade of consistent participation.
Empowering Pilots Through Data and The Role of Modern Tools
One of the key shifts in FDM today is putting data directly into the hands of pilots. Tools like Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications allow pilots to review their own performance post-flight, benchmark against anonymized peer data, and gain insights that drive continuous improvement.
It’s natural for pilots to have concerns that Flight Data Monitoring might feel like “more
monitoring.” For this reason, it is essential for chief pilots and safety leaders to position this data
as a tool for growth—not scrutiny. When presented in a neutral, constructive way, flight data
becomes a valuable resource to help pilots spot blind spots in their own performance—things
they may never notice without the benefit of recorded data.
Over time, this data reveals personal trends and progress, offering pilots the opportunity to
refine their skills, enhance safety practices, and contribute to a stronger overall safety culture.
Rather than being about oversight, this is about insight —giving pilots the ability to take control
of their own continuous improvement with the full support of their organization.
Making FDM Work for Any Operation
Common concerns about FDM—such as cost, complexity, and data privacy—are being addressed through scalable solutions designed for operators of all sizes. Modern programs offer secure, de-identified data sharing, intuitive analytics, and tailored support to help organizations implement FDM without overwhelming their resources. For smaller operators, participation in corporate FDM programs provides access to benchmarking, expert analysis, and industry best practices without requiring in-house data science teams.
When used in conjunction with other reporting programs, such as ASAP, FDM becomes a valuable tool in providing objective data to validate, clarify, or expand on the issues pilots report. While ASAP captures human insight and context, FDM adds a data-driven layer, helping safety teams see both what happened and why—creating a fuller picture of operational risk.
Putting Data in the Hands of Pilots
One of the most significant advancements in Flight Data Monitoring is the ability to deliver actionable insights directly to pilots. GE’s FlightPulse is a prime example of this evolution. Designed by pilots for pilots, FlightPulse provides secure, de-identified access to individual flight data through an intuitive Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) application.
The main advantage of FlightPulse is that pilots can review their performance post-flight, benchmark against anonymized peer data, and visualize events through 3D flight animations. This empowers pilots to identify areas for improvement, understand how their decisions impact safety and efficiency, and take ownership of their professional development. For operators, GE’s FlightPulse serves as a valuable extension of their FDM programs.
By fostering a culture of transparency and continuous learning, FlightPulse helps bridge the gap between data collection and operational improvement. Pilots become active participants in the safety process, turning data into meaningful action that benefits the entire organization.
Whether optimizing fuel efficiency, enhancing approach stability, or reducing exceedances, FlightPulse demonstrates how modern tools can make safety data more accessible, personal, and effective.
From Compliance to Continuous Improvement
Flight Data Monitoring is no longer a luxury reserved for airlines. It’s a practical, powerful tool that helps operators of all sizes go beyond compliance and actively improve safety. By collecting, analyzing, and sharing flight data, operators can uncover risks, enhance training, and build a proactive safety culture that protects crews, passengers, and assets.
The message is clear: safety data isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a strategic advantage
