Page 8 - XaraDocument

III. A UNIQUE PROBLEM

A unique problem with flight data recorders becomes apparent when the entire

aircraft is lost on radar or the FDR cannot be located by emergency responders.

There are two common types of flight recorders, the flight data recorder (FDR) and

the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). In some cases, the two recorders may be

combined in a single unit. In this application the two units are combined.

The present technology however does not allow for remote/real-time access to

this critical data contained in the device while in flight and thus the data ultimately

remains on the aircraft without a backup and this critical data could be lost. Also, if

he aircraft is lost, then there is chance the FDR will also be lost, and this is a critical

problem that can be easily avoided and resolved with the application and deployment

of modern communications and computer technologies. In general these flight

recorders are required to be capable of surviving the harsh conditions likely to be

encountered in a severe aircraft accident and for this reason, they are typically

specified to withstand an impact of 3400 g and temperatures of over 1,000 °C (1,830

°F) as required by EUROCAE ED-112. The basis design of these devices presently

depends upon the FDR being located for analysis of an aviation accident. Thus it

stands to reason that if the FDR cannot be located, then emergency responders will

have lost valuable and critical information as to what actually happened in the event

of an aviation accident.. However, with the advent of current satellite communication

and broadband technologies, there is no reason that this critical data, or the aircraft,

or survivors or even the bodies of dead passengers should be lost.

Surviving victims of an air crash should be immediately located and offered

medical attention, and the bodies of dead passengers, if any, should be immediately

Docket No. : Ticket 2180/215 3