Hi JP4,
I ran across this subject some time ago while doing research on a related matter. The following information applies to US part 135 and 121 operations overseen by the FAA.
Here is a brief summary of the program. What we have is a voluntary safety program called flight operational quality assurance, or FOQA. QAR or FDR data are downloaded to the FOQA office administered by the company safety organization or department and processed into a usable format for analysis. The stated purpose of the program is to collect data on flight quality trends that deviate from established standards so that training and policy may be adjusted in order to reduce safety threats, thereby reducing the chances of future accidents or violations. Data which identifies the particular flight or crew is to be tightly controlled and may not be included in any stored record. Nor is it to be used for diciplinary or enforcement action by the company or FAA against any individuals unless a criminal or willful violation is involved.
Many pilots feel they have good reason not to trust that this data will never be used against them by the company or FAA. Trust is an understandably fragile concept in the aviation racket!
You can read the FAA guidance to it's inspectors here:
http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/e...1/1_005_02.pdf
Perhaps some similar guidance on your country's regulatory policies regarding the use of this data exists. I hope some protections are provided for.
Best regards,
Westhawk