Originally Posted by
koolnell
Pretty sure this sort of thing already existed and is in use. Called Flight Data Monitoring, or FDM if I'm not mistaken. Wireless QAR sends the data once the aircraft has landed, engines shutdown and usually a door open. This is then automatically analysed and any important problems are highlighted. Things like a flap or gear over speed or a heavy landing that the crew were unaware of and didn't report. These are then reported to the maintenance provider and the appropriate inspection must be then carried out before further flight. One system I know of is called Aerobytes. Sure there will be more thou.
Most airlines however will only investigate a hard landing if the crew report it on arrival. It is at that point that any recorded data is accessed via built in access terminals (if available) and the engineers will make a decision about what level, if any, of inspection is required.