Electro-Technik Systems Ltd in the UK have been developing an flight "event" monitoring / recording system specifically for use in light aircraft and helicopters (in particular the R22 and Schweitzer) in the G.A sector. The system (Flight Minder) is currently being tested and evaluated in several home bulit aircraft and a Cessna 150 and R22 prior to obtaining the neccesary appovals and certification.
Flight Minder records the time and date at which flight events occour. Flight events include master switch on, engine start, wheels up, wheels down, engine stop, rotor overspeed start, rotor overspeed end, engine overspeed start, engine overspeed end and heavy landing.
The airborne equipment is housed in a plastic enclosure 130 x 90 x 40mm which can be mounted any in convenient location in the cock-pit.
Events are recorded to "smartcard" which is inserted into the Flight Minder prior to each flight (a local memory records any flight events made when no card has been inserted). Approximately 200 events can be recorded on each smartcard
After the flight, the smartcard is plugged into a PC fitted with a card interface and Flight Minder database software - (It is hoped that this will eventually be integrated with CavOK QDM software)
The smart-card may also contain the pilot's name and aircraft ID for record keeping, training and invoicing etc.
Flight Minder is not intended for use as "black-box" data recorder, but simply as low cost way of keeping track of events which may be relevant to flight safety and running costs.
Further details can be obtained from Electro-Techik Systems Ltd in the UK Tel +44 (0)1642 438405 or by e-mail
[email protected]