|
MFOQA is a knowledge management process that uses flight data downloaded
after every flight to provide aircrew, the squadron and the Fleet with
quantitative information regarding aircrew and aircraft performance to
improve training, operational readiness and safety. It is the proactive
use of aircraft data systems to reduce operational risk.
This process will identify human error (a causal factor in 80% of
Aviation Mishaps) on a near real-time basis and provide tools to measure
the effectiveness of ORM intervention strategies.
FOQA, the civil version of MFOQA, is an accepted standard operating
procedure for analysis of commercial flight data and is endorsed by the
FAA for collection and analysis of safety information in a non-punitive
environment.
The term MFOQA describes a flight data collection and analysis process
that steps beyond the bounds of traditional quality assurance. MFOQA
collects flight data for use in a number of areas:
- Post Mission Pilot Debrief immediate post flight digital
replay and automated report generation for any portion of the flight
displayed on a standard PC in a user-friendly Windows - based
environment to enhance training opportunities for every flight.
- Aircraft Maintenance and System Troubleshooting quantitative
downloaded aircraft system information is provided to expedite
maintenance and improve operational readiness of aircraft.
- Flight Data Analysis the rapid, automated computer analysis
of every flight to identify hazardous events in a non-punitive
environment and before mishaps occur. Written reports are automated
and can either highlight significant events on a given flight or
sample multiple flight aggregate data for automated trend analysis.
- Mishap Investigation: accurate post mishap event data
analysis where the aircraft is not destroyed. While MFOQA recorders
are not required to be crash survivable, they can provide to provide
much improved and objective evidence to the AMB to identify cause
factors for remediation on less serious flight and ground mishaps.
MFOQA is a process that, when implemented, has the potential to
dramatically increase operational readiness and help drive down current
Flight Mishap Rate below the current 10 year plateau. MFOQA will provide a
proactive approach to identify hazardous human errors before they become
mishaps. It will also provide an excellent tool to improve aviation
maintenance and increase student and fleet pilot training.
Naval Experience:
Initial studies involved installation and 20 hours of flight
demonstration of a quick access data recorder in one VMFAT-101 F/A-18
Hornet. The project was well received by the command pilots and
demonstrated the feasibility of recording, downloading analyzing and
sharing de-identified flight data.
Current status:
The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Safety,
DASN (Safety), has secured $10.8 M for a 2-year MFOQA Technical
Demonstration. Results from the FY04 and FY05 tech demo will be used to
develop a detailed acquisition strategy for selected aircraft communities
and both OPNAV and Marine Corps Orders delineating policy for the use of
recorded MFOQA data.
The Naval Safety Center in conjunction with Commander, Naval Air Force,
Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, the CNO’s office and USAF, USA,
and US Coast Guard leadership strongly support the development and rapid
implementation of MFOQA.
A Student Test Pilot MFOQA demonstration on a Naval Test Pilot School
F/A-18 Hornet has been initiated. The Demonstration will focus on
providing quantitative flight data and post mission replay of demanding
TPS syllabus flights. Recorded/animated MFOQA flight maneuvers from the
demonstration will be used to augment the Out of Control Flight Training
Syllabus that NTPS provides to FRS instructor pilots.
Fleet participation and feedback in MFOQA process development, data
analysis and subsequent integration is essential.
More Info
|
