Program Overview

Flight Data Monitoring and Flight Operational Quality Assurance in Commercial Aviation

Overview

This course provides an advanced understanding of issues surrounding a flight data monitoring programme (FDM) and flight operational quality assurance (FOQA). Established in 2004, this popular course has attracted delegates from over 60 countries, gaining a global reputation.

At a Glance

• Dates: 02 - 05 Mar 2026
• Duration: 1 week for September (online) course | 4 days for March (in-person) course
• Location: Dependent on delivery mode
• Cost: Ł1,750
• Concessions available

Course Structure

The course will be delivered by lecturers experienced in FDM and experts drawn from industry. The course will consist of lectures and a series of workshops to give delegates practical experience of interpreting flight data.

What You Will Learn

This course will provide delegates with an advanced appreciation of the technical, operational, management, and legal issues surrounding a flight data monitoring (FDM) programme, also referred to as flight operational quality assurance (FOQA). Under regulations introduced by ICAO in 2005, FDM / FOQA became mandatory for most operators of large aircraft.

Core Content

• The History of FDM / FOQA and an Overview of its Objectives
• CAP739, EASA, and ICAO Regulatory Frameworks
• Integration of FDM / FOQA within a Safety Management System
• FDM / FOQA Technology
• Setting Analysis Targets
• Data Recovery and Analysis Tools
• Principles of Data Validation and Assessment
• Trace Interpretation, with both Theoretical and Practical Sessions
• The Use of Statistics in Data Analysis
• Animation and Visualisation in Data Presentation
• FDM / FOQA in Accident and Incident Investigation
• The Interface Between Analysts and Crews
• Legal Aspects of FDM / FOQA Data Collection, Retention, and Use
• The Use of FDM / FOQA to Justify Operational and Technical Change

Who Should Attend

Subject matter and speakers ensure the course's relevance to novice and expert alike. Intended participants include FDM / FOQA analysts, flight safety officers, aircrew representatives, regulators, FDM / FOQA system suppliers, aircraft manufacturers, and accident investigators. Delegates have come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including national and regional airlines, cargo operators, corporate operators, helicopter operators, military organisations, pilot unions, research institutions, aircraft manufacturers, FDM / FOQA system providers, and regulatory authorities.

Speakers

Speakers are drawn from across industry to provide up-to-date and relevant expert knowledge of all elements of FDM / FOQA.

Concessions

Discount for 3rd and subsequent delegates from the same company/site.

Accommodation Options and Prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please note that further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found. Alternatively, you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and Travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1. London Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow airports are 30, 90, and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.

Location Address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford
MK43 0AL

Related Courses

• Aviation Safety Management