Quick access recorder

A quick access recorder (QAR) is an airborne flight data recorder designed to provide quick and easy access to raw flight data,[1] through means such as USB[2] or cellular network[3] connections and/or the use of standard flash memory cards.[2] QARs are typically used by airlines to improve flight safety and operational efficiency, usually in the scope of an their flight operational quality assurance plans.[4] Like the aircraft's flight data recorder (FDR), a QAR receives its inputs from the Flight Data Acquisition Unit (FDAU), recording over 2000 flight parameters.[1] The QAR is also able to sample data at much higher rates than the FDR and, in some cases, for longer periods of time. Unlike the FDR, the QAR is not required on commercial flights and is not designed to survive an accident. Despite this, some QARs have survived accidents and provided valuable information that was recorded by the FDR.

References

  1. ^ a b "Advisory Circular - Flight Operational Quality Assurance". U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration. 4/12/2004. p. 5. http://www.ihst.org/portals/54/Attachment%20D_AC120-82.pdf. Retrieved 10 October 2011. 
  2. ^ a b L-3 Communications. "Micro Quick Access Recorder". http://www.l-3ar.com/PDF_Files/MKT063_mQAR.pdf. Retrieved 10 October 2011. 
  3. ^ "Teledyne Controls Announces Successful Launch of Wireless GroundLinkTM". Teledyne. http://www.teledyne.com/news/groundlink.asp. Retrieved 10 October 2011. 
  4. ^ General Accounting Office (December 1997). Efforts to Implement Flight Operational Quality Assurance Programs. p. 4. http://www.gao.gov/products/RCED-98-10. Retrieved 10 October 2011.