Originally Posted by
gums
Thanks, VA.
I ask about ACARS because it seems that AF447 ACARS transmitted over 20 messages within the last 5 minutes of flight. The Final Report also mentions transmitting position every ten minutes or so. Granted, 447 had good electrical systems all the way.
So I guess it's up to the carrier to determined what goes out and what comes in and timing, huh?
It is. According to our guy in coveralls, you can set the ACARS transmit time from almost every minute to any period of time longer. The whole thing is highly customizable including what maintenance/NAV/flight parameter information will be sent. With messages bound for maintenance, there is a burst mode on the Boeing.
Not privy to the details on how Airbus handles the data, but it seems they have a different arrangement, or perhaps Air France doesn't mind paying for near real-time reporting.