Flight Data Download

A True Quick Turn Solution

From day one, we understood the customers’ needs:

1. Quick download…
2. Even faster analysis…
3. Return aircraft to service ASAP

This is exactly why we integrated the SSFDR downloader and flight data analysis app into the very same mobile laptop.

Benefit: Reduce time between download and operational decisions.

Scenario: Aircraft lands with flap speed exceedance, Engineer downloads SSFDR to laptop, Engineer analyzes the flap speed exceedance on wing, Exceedance determined to be within limits. Aircraft returned to service in the shortest possible amount of time.  

4 Step Process. Flexibility in your hands.

1. Power up SSFDR.
2. Connect usb to laptop, and opposite connector to SSFDR.
3. Create file name.
4. Click Start, and receive SSFDR raw data file on the laptop within minutes.
5. Perform FDR readout, Limitations analysis, Engine exceedance validation, or FDM (for non-QAR equipped aircraft).

It can’t get easier than that!

Download to Go!

The only laptop based download solution in the industry

NO PCMCIA CARD REQUIRED

Let’s face it. PCMCIA cards are a burden and suffer from formatting issues. That’s why you’ll download the SSFDR directly to our mobile computer.

NOT POWERED FROM SSFDR

Since the downloader laptop has a 4 hour battery capacity, there is no need to source power from the SSFDR. It’s a safer and self-sufficient solution.

NO CABIN RESTRICTIONS

Test equipment in the aircraft cabin during flight? Could raise eyebrows! However, laptop with SSFDR Download software and capability...no problem at all.

FREE TRAINING. TOO EASY.

Well...we provided all the SSFDR download steps above, so we can’t justify a class. Sorry about that...

BEST PRICE IN THE INDUSTRY

Yes we have competition, but not in terms of pricing. If you paid more than $10,000 USD for your SSFDR downloader, you paid too much! Call us.

SCALABLE SOLUTION. NO CALIBRATION or TOOLING HEADACHES

It’s a laptop with software, so don’t return for upgrades. We’ll ping you and install all upgrades from our office. No need for calibration or special storage by the way.

FAQ’s

An operator can experience significant cost savings by using our Flight Data downloaders.

Q1: What is your current capability?

Answer: While we are constantly expanding our capability, at this time, our downloaders can handle the:

    -   Honeywell SSFDR

        ○ PN 980-4120-XXX (SSUFDR)
        ○ PN 980-4700-XXX (SSFDR)
        ○ PN 980-4710-XXX (AR-SSFDR)

  -  L-3 SSFDR (Fairchild)

        ○ PN S603-XXXX-XX
        ○ PN S703-XXXX-XX
        ○ PN S800-XXXX-XX
        ○ PN S903-XXXX-XX

Q2: I would like to use my own laptop as the downloader, but with your SSFDR download software installed. Is this possible?

Answer: Definitely possible. However, your configuration and installation will not be covered under the warranty. Keep in mind, our laptop unit has certain app’s and files removed to avoid conflict with our SSFDR download software. It’s also tested in a ruggedized environment with various noise levels. As such, we advise you to purchase our mobile computer and take advantage of the coverage and warranty.

Q3: Can I use the downloader to support my FDM program? We have a small fleet and do not intend to install QAR’s.

Answer: Absolutely! Why spend all the cash on QAR’s and wireless solutions when you only have a small fleet. Download your SSFDR weekly or on a cycle which accomodates your flight schedule. No harm done to the SSFDR.

Q4: We have multiple cities and stations where downloads are performed. How can I support this operational need?

Answer: We got you covered! Solution: Purchase our multi-coverage plan which allows you to install the SSFDR download software on multiple laptops or PC’s at the bases where downloads are accomplished. Next, take advantage of our multi-station interface cable action plan which offers 50% off the standard list price. Lastly, enjoy the ease and access to multiple data downloads at all your stations.

Learn more about how Flight Data Simulation can benefit your organization.

Learn more about how DAE for Aerospace can benefit your organization

How do I modify my FDR to record more than 25 hours?

You can modify the program pins at the rear of the SSFDR to uptick your recording hours. For example, if you have a Honeywell PN 980-4700-XXX installed, you can alter the ‘ground/open’ discrete wiring at pin 17 & 18 of the SSFDR mating connector to increase your recording capacity.

How can determine the amount of hours recorded by my FDR?

The amount of recorded hours is dependent on a combination of your FDAU wps output and FDR maximum allowable recording speed. If there is a one to one relationship between the two units, i.e. – 64 wps FDAU with a 64 wps FDR, you will record the last 25 hours of flight data. This also applies to the case when the FDAU and FDR are both 128wps, 256wps, or even higher. If there is a mismatch between the FDAU and FDR speed, a small and simple calculation can be made to determine actual flight hour recording capacity. See the figure below for the various possibilities:

How can I determine the speed of my Flight Data Recording system in words per second (wps)?

There are basically 4 ways to determine your speed, with the 4th being a bit more involved. First, the speed should be listed or documented in chapter 31 of your aircraft Maintenance Manual and/or Wiring Diagram Manual. However there are times when for some reason, the required information cannot be found. If this is the case, as a second method, you may reference the CMM or technical specification for your Flight Data Acquisition Unit (FDAU). If you are still unable to find this information, you may contact the aircraft manufacturer for the wps or review your previous FDR download analysis reports. Please keep in mind, the OEM will only know the as-delivered configuration of your aircraft. If there were modifications to your aircraft post-delivery – manufacturer unaware of the changes – youll need to contact us for an analysis of your raw data. Using our software we can determine the wps of your system.

With regard to Flight Data Recorder Systems, what exactly does wps imply? I have noticed this abbreviation in our FDR documentation and in communications with the manufacturer several times:

WPS = words per second. A word (12-bits in length) contains binary data which represents a specific parameter value. Please see figure 1 below. Your FDR records in frames (4 second intervals) and each frame contains 4 sub frames (one sub frame = 1 second). With each second that goes by a specific quantity of words are recorded into memory. If you operate a 64 wps FDR system, you will record 64 12-bit words in one second. The higher the word capacity the more information you can record.

What is a Dataframe Layout (DFL)?

A DFL, also known by the name Logical Frame Layout (LFL), Dataframe Interface Control & Requirements Document, and many other names depending on the manufacturer, is a document which specifies the FDR, QAR, or DAR Parameter Word (location), Recording Speed, Sampling Rate, Bits, and Conversion formulae for your recording system.  

Contact our Team

Contact our Team