A possible starting point could be to replace the on-board FDR and CVR systems with real time data transmissions. If ACARS cannot cope/is too expensive to handle the volume of data or cannot deliver the required dependability, the Iridium system (Iridium) would seem to be an alternative. If such a data collection service were to be made available, automatic monitoring would be possible
Bad idea.
Augment perhaps, enhance -sure! but replace? never!
Instead of an independent device with its encapsulated nugget of information, you have a parsed 'summarized' data stream subject to the control of....who?
The Airline? the Airbus/Boeng? or the NTSB/CAA body?
The scheme does have some attractive parts to it, a central database of all flight parameters that can be data mined and analysed....nice!
but dont forget, these tools are for POST MORTEM not protection.
"Sir, why are you wearing a LEAD LIFE JACKET?"
"why, so if I DROWN, my body is not swept away by the current!"
A more frequent pinging of flight position and altitude (with maybe more frequent updates triggered by any anomalies) AND A QUICKER RESPONSE WHEN CONTACT IS LOST should more than suffice and would be a very minor software update to the ACARS system and its ilk