You are here: Home Activities Technical Flight Data

Flight Data

What is the issue?

The Flight Data (FD) recorded during a flight must be used solely to enhance aviation safety. During an operation any occurrence may happen, but if the pilot aware of what happened fears to be sanctioned, he might prefer not to report. However, the less reporting, the less the aviation sector can learn from such occurrences to prevent future accidents or incidents. Aviation safety can only be improved if front end users can report occurrences without fearing that disciplinary measures will be taken against them. To encourage such reporting best practices, the EU wants to strengthen the existing two European Directives on 'Accident Investigation' and on 'Mandatory Occurrence Reporting'.

How is ECA involved?

ECA is actively following the revision of the two directives. The ECA FD working group meets regularly to provide direct input to the European Commission and other EU Institutions. ECA also informs the Commission about irregularities reported to us regarding the implementation of the above mentioned directives. In parallel, within the EU Social Dialogue, ECA works with the Association of European Airlines (AEA) to define a framework that would provide a balanced situation between the air-carriers' interest/obligation to collect data from the aircraft, and the protection of the crews' rights, privacy and personal data. ECA is also involved in Eurocontrol and other bodies' safety improvement initiatives notably in the promotion of Just Culture.

Why is the issue important to ECA?

First of all, pilots have key interests in improving safety by regular reporting practices. However, they will do so only if they are sure they will not be legally prosecuted and if their companies guarantee the protection of data in a Just Culture environment. Secondly, current EU legislation does not sufficiently protect the reporters and therefore needs to be strengthened. ECA's role is to make sure that the current legislations are being revised accordingly and that a comprehensive safety aviation framework is set up. As an element of it, Just Culture must be promoted at company, national and EU levels.

Who is responsible?

  • EBD: Captain Régis Fusenig
  • Staff member: Fiona Mc Fadden
  • Working Group: Flight Data (Registered users only)
  • Co-Chairmen: Juan Carlos Lozano and Renault Bosma

External links