Chapter 5 - Flight Data Recording

Question 1

How much must the FDR record?

Answer 1

The last 25 hours of flight

Question 2

What is the purpose of the Flight Data Acquisition Unit?

Answer 2

• Sampling parameters from various sensors and avionic units
• Encoding of the values
• Sends it to the FDR continuously (potentially using ARINC 573)

Question 3

How many bits is in each word of the decoded parameters message?

Answer 3

12 bits

Question 4

How long does each subframe last?

Answer 4

1 second long

Question 5

What will the first word be of a frame?

Answer 5

Sync word

Question 6

What are the codes used in the FDR system?

Answer 6

• Non return to zero
• Bipolar return to zero
• Harvard bi-phase code

Question 7

What are the mandatory parameters according to the CAA?

Answer 7

• Time - GMT
• Pressure altitude
• Airspeed
• Acceleration
• Heading
• Pitch and roll attitude
• Elevator surface position
• Stabiliser surface position
• Rudder position
• Aileron position
• Pitch trim
• Flap control lever position
• LE slats position
• Thrust reverse position
• Keying of VHF and HF transceivers

Question 8

What are the standards of the Crash Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU)?

Answer 8

• High intensity fire
• Low intensity fire
• Impact shock
• Static crush
• Fluid immersion
• Water immersion
• Penetration resistance
• Hydrostatic pressure

Question 9

On the QAR, what does a flashing BUSY indicator mean?

Answer 9

Data is not being received, and the card can be ejected

Question 10

On the QAR, what does the READY indicator mean?

Answer 10

Informs the operator that the card is loaded correctly, and the QAR is ready for use

Question 11

Describe the construction of the FDR recorder?

Answer 11

• Seismic type with inductive pickoff
• Pressure sealed
• Capable of withstanding ten times the normal operating range
• Factory repairable only

Question 12

What are the performance limitations of the flight recorder accelerometers?

Answer 12

Vertical - +6g, -3g, +1.8 V ± 25 mV DC

Lateral - ±1g, +2.6 V ± 25 mV DC

Longitudinal - ±1g, +2.6 V ± 25 mV DC

Question 13

What are the features of the ULB?

Answer 13

• Transmits an acoustic signal of 37.5 kHz
• Can be submerged in fresh or salt water at up to 20,000 feet
• Designed to operate for 90 days
• Range of up to 6 nautical miles

Question 14

What are deployable FDR?

Answer 14

Combine the CVR, FDR and the ELT into a single unit that detects the start of a crash and detaches safely away from the crash site

Question 15

What helicopters will be required to carry a deployable flight data recorder?

Answer 15

• Helicopters with a MTOM between 2,250 kg and 3,175 kg
• That are manufactured on or after 5th September 2022
• Used for commercial air transport or commercial specialised operations