This invention is a system that monitors many performance parameters and
many aircraft operational parameters, and broadcasts this information
along with aircraft identification, audio, video, global positioning and
altitude data, to a world wide two-way rf network. This information is
monitored and recorded at a remote, centralized location. At this
location, this information is combined with archived data, ATC data,
weather data, topological data, map data, and manufacturers' data.
Analysis of this combined data allows identification of problems and
generation of advisories. Six types of advisories are generated:
maintenance, safety of flight, flight efficiency, flight separation, safe
to fly and safe to take off. In the event of a crash the remotely
recorded data provides an instant indication of the cause of the crash as
well as where the crashed plane can be found. Use of this invention
allows replacement of the current, on-board flight data recorders thus
saving costs and weight. Having the recorded data at a remote site
eliminates the need to search for flight data recorders. Other advantages
are back-up for ATC radar position data, better control of aircraft
separation, improved flight efficiency, and allowing use of simpler and
lower power radar.