FDR

Question 1

Flight data recorder records onto

Answer 1

older a/c: recorded onto magnetic tape

modern: FDR are digital and recorded onto a chip

Question 2

FDR required on

Answer 2

a/c >5700kg MTOM

or >9 Pax seats

Question 3

paramters recorded

Answer 3

time
altitude
heading 
airspeed
acceleration 
attitude
thrust 
config
automatics

Question 4

must also be recorded for a/c >27000kg

Answer 4

position of control surfaces 
aircraft trim position 
cockpit warnings 
landing gear position 
navigation aids
radio altitude

Question 5

FDR key points

Answer 5

powered by 24V DC supply
records and stores last 25hours worth of data
must auto start before a/c moves under its own power
stops recording automatically 5 mins after final engine shut down
located to minimise damage
orange/yellow container
container fire and corrosion resistant
water proof to about 4km
battery powered beacon lasts 30 days (FDR does not have battery the beacon does)
‘event’ button- puts mark in recording for easier location later on

Question 6

AMCS/AIDS

Answer 6

aircraft condition monitoring system - Boeing
aircraft integrated data system - airbus
a lot of data going to FDR also goes to these systems
can be transmitted to the operator and maintenance via ACAR’s (FANS)