Enhancing aviation safety requires a deep understanding of accident causes to prevent recurrence. Crash-protected flight recorders (Black Boxes) have long played a pivotal role in improving aviation safety. However, recovering traditional flight recorders from remote or hazardous locations can be time-consuming and uncertain.
To address these challenges, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) developed the Global Aeronautic Distress and Safety System (GADSS), which sets out standards for Global Aircraft Tracking (GAT), Autonomous Distress Tracking (ADT), the Timely Recovery of Flight Data (TRFD), and distress alerting.
CGI has developed CGI VirtualFlightRecorder, offering GADSS as a service. This universal solution replicates the function of a traditional crash-protected recorder in a secure, cloud-based environment, ensuring immediate access to critical flight data during emergencies. By leveraging advancements in mobile satellite connectivity, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder seamlessly integrates with existing Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) systems, making continuous flight data transmission more accessible and cost-effective for operators.
Designed for widespread adoption, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder supports various aircraft types and transmission equipment, including those in business and general aviation, charter operations, and remote service providers. Additionally, it aligns with future air mobility trends by offering a scalable framework for unmanned traffic management (UTM) and UAV operations.
CGI is working with industry partners, including SatAuth, Code Magus Ltd, Cranfield University, and AWS, supported by the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency (ESA) through the ARTES – Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) programme.
