The Analysis of Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) Data

The use of FOQA has become widely adopted within the last decade with the aim of increasing aviation safety. Although thousand of parameters have been available to FOQA programs, airlines have traditionally chosen a limited number for analysis; there has been no consensus on what parameters - other than the required ones - should be monitored. Therefore, several FOQA parameters that could enhance air carrier safety have not been recorded and/or analyzed. The research described in this book has no precedent in the United States. This exploratory mixed methods study began with a conference call comprising FOQA industry experts which was planned and completed to (a) increase researcher knowledge and (b) discuss a list of improved safety FOQA parameters. A questionnaire, derived from the suggested list, was electronically sent to 40 FOQA professionals. The respondents represented 75% of the airlines with an FAA approved FOQA program. The responses reported a high importance for the 11 suggested parameters. The industry indicated amenability to the discussion of improved safety parameters. This study can lead professionals to comprehend FOQA and the aviation industry to improve safety.