microsoft word - pgs boiler plate
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COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE
This proposal, which contains proprietary and confidential information, is supplied oncondition that its contents are not copied or disclosed to any third party without writtenconsent from Penny and Giles
Master Document Ver 2.0
COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE
OVERVIEW OF PROFESSIONAL GROUND STATION
(PGS) REPLAY SOFTWARE
BY:
Penny & Giles Aerospace Ltd
1, Airfield Road
Christchurch
Dorset, UK
BH23 3TH
DOCUMENT No
PRESENTED BY:-
DATE: 22 April 2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................... 12 PRODUCT BENEFITS .......................................................................... 3
2.1 Three Levels of Product Release ...........................................................................32.2 3D Visualisation ............................................................................................. 32.3 Flexible configuration ....................................................................................... 42.4 Fleet Management Support ................................................................................42.5 Low cost of ownership ...................................................................................... 42.6 Recorder Support ........................................................................................... 4
3 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ........................................................................ 63.1 PURPOSE AND METHOD OF FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS ..................................................... 6
3.1.1 PURPOSE OF FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS ................................................................. 63.1.2
METHOD OF FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS ................................................................. 6
3.2 PURPOSE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PGS ................................................................8
3.2.1 PURPOSE OF PGS....................................................................................... 83.2.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF PGS ............................................................................ 9
3.3 AIRCRAFT AND FLEET AND FLIGHT MANAGEMENT..................................................... 123.3.1 FLEET AND FLIGHT MANAGEMENT ..................................................................12
3.4 LOGICAL FRAME LAYOUT AND EVENT DETECTION PROGRAMS ....................................... 243.4.1 DATABASE AND PARAMETER EDITORS ..............................................................243.4.2 FLIGHT PROFILE AND EVENT EDITORS ...............................................................28
3.5 FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS AND EVENT REPORTS .......................................................... 313.5.1 FLIGHT DATA PARAMETER READ-OUT ...............................................................313.5.2 AUTOMATIC FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS ................................................................333.5.3 EVENT REPORT ........................................................................................353.5.4 ADVANCED ANALYSIS AND REPORT..................................................................363.6 PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................ 383.6.1 FRAME FORMAT SPECIFICATION .....................................................................383.6.2 NUMBER OF FLIGHT DATA PARAMETERS AND EVENTS PER AIRCRAFT ............................393.6.3 NUMBER AND SIZE OF FLIGHT DATA FILES ..........................................................393.6.4 PROCESSING SPEED ...................................................................................393.6.5 PRINTERS & MONITORS...............................................................................393.6.6 EXPORT AND IMPORT OF FLIGHT DATA..............................................................393.6.7 PGS SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT....................................................39
3.7 PGS VISUALISATION ....................................................................................... 404 Penny & Giles Aerospace Ltd .............................................................. 43
4.1 Company Background..................................................................................... 434.1.1
Air Data Products .....................................................................................44
4.1.2 Other Products ........................................................................................44
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Penny and Gilesproposes the
ProfessionalGround Station
(PGS) software.
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Penny and Giles has been designing and manufacturing Flight
Recording products for the Aerospace Industry since 1955, and
the company has a world-wide reputation for quality of design
and performance. In support of these products we propose the
use of the Professional Ground Station (PGS) Analysis (PGS-AS)
software.
PGS is a complete solution that encompasses all the necessary
tools to afford the operator a clear interpretation of flight data
and detected exceedances.
PGS has been designed to meet actual customer requests to
daily replay and analysis of in-flight recorded data for more
efficient maintenance, flight operations and flight safetyprograms.
PGS is a suite of turnkey and flexible flight data analysis
software, specifically for Flight Operations Quality Assurance
(FOQA) and Maintenance Applications flight data processing. It is
a dedicated solution to deal with the following flight data issues:
READOUT - Interfaces with most Flight Data Recorders (FDR),either Crash Protected or Quick Access Recorders (QAR).
DECODING - Provides all relevant and necessary tools toselect, set up and maintain multiple Logical Frame Layout
(LFL).
DISPLAY AND PLOTTING - Outstanding data viewingcapabilities in a multi- sheet graphical workspace.
ANALYSIS - Straightforward process providing relevant andaccurate automatic event and abnormal parameter reading
detection.
PGS is Windows compatible, designed to give the user the full
benefit of the Microsoft Windows
environment. PGS is a
complete and robust software package. It has been designed in
such a way that the user benefits from the power of real 32 bit
C++ application software combined with outstanding user-
friendliness.
Most of PGSs features have been implemented in full and close
co-operation with those end-users deeply involved in flight data
parameter analysis. These features therefore fully satisfy
operator expectations, by means of powerful easy to use and
intuitive solutions.
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Three major aircraft manufacturers (Agusta, Sikorsky and
Eurocopter) have already selected PGS-VS for use with their
flight recorders as the primary means of supporting data
download and replay data analysis.
The information presented herein provides an overview of the
PGS Discovery (PGS-DS), PGS Vision (PGS-VS) and PGS Analysis
(PGS-AS) software products.
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2 PRODUCT BENEFITS
2.1 Three Levels of Product ReleaseThe PGS software suite comprises the following three software
products:
i. PGS Discovery PGS-DS is designed for download, replay andplot of flight data parameters and audio recordings. This is
the entry level software package supplied for use with a
dedicated aircraft and aircraft configuration.
ii. PGS Vision PGS-VS is designed for download, replay andplot of flight data parameters and audio recordings. This
version supports an OEM or fleet operator who wishes to
create and modify aircraft configurations, define flight dataparameters and manage a fleet of aircraft. Vision may also be
used as a tool for selective flight data analysis.
iii. PGS Analysis PGS-AS is an extension to the PGS Visionproduct. Analysis is designed for flight profile definition,
event detection and automatic analysis of flight data. In
addition, PGS AS manages all detected events into a
powerful statistic database. See flowchart of the complete
analysis process.
2.2 3D Visualisation
The Flight Operation Quality Assurance (FOQA) department of anairline may also wish to use the use 3D visualisation
environment
PGS Visualisation - PGS-VIS is designed as a bolt on to PGS Vision
(PGS-AS) and PGS Analysis (PGS-AS) to provide the user with a
3D visual representation of aircraft flights. Parameters created
within PGS Vision (PGS-VS) can be linked to 3D models of
aircraft. PGS Visualisation (PGS-VIS) also includes an instrument
editor that allows the user to create a representative cockpit
environment for information presentation. PGS Visualisation is
supplied with 2 aircraft models, basic rotary and fixed forms,
however additional Aircraft types can be modelled that include
the ability to detail livery for multiple platform operators.
Available in threereleases supporting basic
replay through to fullyautomated analysis
Editors are includedallowing the system to betailored and upgraded to
suit.
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2.3 Flexible configuration
PGS Vision (PGS-VS) and PGS Analysis (PGS-AS) are fully
configurable tools that provide the user with a parameter editor
tool giving the capability to create or modify new parameters as
and when aircraft systems are upgraded.
PGS Analysis (PGS-AS) also includes flight phase definition and
event definition editors to give the operator full flexibility to
define their own operational profiles.
2.4 Fleet Management Support
PGS Discovery (PGS-DS) is targeted at single aircraft operators
with a fixed system.
PGS Vision (PGS-VS) and PGS Analysis (PGS-AS) are suitable foreither aircraft OEMs, Operators or Replay centres. An integrated
fleet management tool provides airline, aircraft, and equipment
level definition ensuring rapid access to equipment interfaces
and downloaded information.
PGS-VS encompasses all the necessary editors and tools to ease
everyday analysis operations such as Logical Frame Layout, Fleet
Management, pre-defined FDR and Quick Access Recorders
download procedures. PGS-VS also comprise powerful audio
decoding algorithms to convert CVR audio encoded data to
standard Microsoft WAV files format and replay audio records
synchronized along with the flight data.
2.5 Low cost of ownership
Provisioning of the parameter, flight phase and event definition
editors as part of the tool enable the operator to set up and
maintain their own specific configuration. Additionally, with a
low annual maintenance contract price, the end user benefits
from having technical support available, along with a continuous
software upgrade path as PGS continuously evolves, so long as
the maintenance contract is in effect.
2.6 Recorder Support
PGS suite supports a wide range of flight Data recording devices
and media including SSFDRs, HHDLUs, QARs, OQARs, PQARs
PCMCIAs...
Multiple recorder and datafile support
User configurabilityeliminates 'per aircraftsystem' support costs
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It can handle as many data and parameters as necessary without
any loss in processing speed: Getting a complete event report
from flight data readout or replaying a long range flight with 20
on screen parameters is just a matter of seconds. PGS can any
level of detail (up to 1/256Th second). A wide number of file
formats are also supported allowing data to be imported and
analysed without the aircraft hardware. Information can also be
exported in CSV, as well as many other different formats for use
in other applications.
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3 PRODUCT OVERVIEW
3.1 PURPOSE AND METHOD OF FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS
3.1.1 PURPOSE OF FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS
SAFETY
Safety is the main goal of Flight Operation Quality Assurance
(FOQA) and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM).
FOQA/FDM is concerned with detecting operational trends
before they can lead to an incident or accident.
The majority of incidents and accidents are crew related. Over
50% of such events happen in the approach and landing phases
and most are the co-incidence of a number of recurringproblems.
As a closed loop monitoring system, dedicated to detecting
operational trends, FOQA/FDM helps uncover hidden risks:
Events and abnormal parameter readings, detected during the
analysis process, are stored in files for statistical purposes and
used as the basis for trend analysis.
COST SAVING
Monitoring abnormal parameter readings and events can lead to
the introduction of preventative maintenance. As the system
continuously monitors flight data parameters, it can easily detect
defective equipment on board the aircraft.
TRAINING
Students can learn from experience gained when using the
system and from the results gathered from FOQA/FDM
3.1.2 METHOD OF FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS
ACQUISITION AND RECORDING REQUIREMENTS
Flight data parameters are continuously acquired from various
sensors placed within the aircraft as well as from some avionic
busses. This data is multiplexed by the digital Flight Data
Acquisition Unit (FDAU) to arrange it in the form of an ARINC
573/717 or ARINC 429 single data stream.
The Flight Data Analysisfunction is provided byPGS Analysis Software
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This signal is acquired by the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and
recorded onto a medium such as a magnetic tape in legacy
systems, or into a solid state memory located in the Crash
Protected Memory Module (CPMM). Such continuous recording
of flight data parameters can be of help to investigators in the
event of an accident.
However, because the FDR is based on an up to 25 hours
recording loop, Flight Data Analysis sometimes requires a dual
recording system. A Quick Access Recorder (QAR) acquires the
same flight data as the FDR but unlike the FDR, is not crash
protected. However its main benefits are twofold:
Unlike the FDR, data is stored in a removable media, thecapacity of which can exceed 500 flying hours
Exchanging the recording media for another takes just amatter of seconds.
Figure 1 FOQA, a closed loop monitoring system.
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FOQA/FDM USE OF FLIGHT DATA
FOQA/FDM utilizes flight data to automatically detect trends bymonitoring abnormal parameter readings. Flight Data recorded
by the QAR can also be read and analysed by a ground station,
which can thus detect, view and replay excessive parameter
readings during operations.
FOQA/FDM MUST BE USER CONFIGURABLE
FOQA/FDM must be user configurable so that various levels of
detection can be used and easily changed to suit the operational
environment and the various types of aircraft in the fleet.
FOQA/FDM KEEP FLIGHT DATA
FOQA/FDM provides sufficient capabilities to retain flight dataafter it has been processed.
3.2 PURPOSE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PGS
3.2.1 PURPOSE OF PGS
PGS is a flexible turnkey management system for a complete
FOQA/FDM solution. Its functions will meet and exceed all
FOQA/FDM regulatory requirements.
PGS has been designed in close co-operation with airline
operators and engineers.
PGS is continuously being developed to ensure that it maintains
an increasingly demanding of end-user requirements to a high
level of satisfaction.
Although PGS is a powerful system offering outstanding options,
it remains quick and easy to use. It has been designed to offer
each operator a fully automated process. Its various functions
have been defined in close co-operation with airlines, thus
maintaining a high level of understanding and ease.
PGS comes with all necessary editors and functions, which allow
operators the opportunity of setting up their own parameters
and analysis programs - Logical Frame Layout, Event Detection
programs and so on.
Access security codes allow the operator complete secured
access to sensitive data.
PGS Analysis (PGS-AS) can produce comprehensive analysis
reports. Additional details, plots and printouts are also available
through an advanced investigation function.
A Complete FOQA/FDMSolution
Quick And Easy To Use
Customizable to UserRequirements
Secure Access
Comprehensive Reports
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Powerful system tools afford the operator in-depth investigation
and analysis, above and beyond that available in current reports.
Events and abnormal parameter readings, detected during the
analysis process, can be retained for statistical purposes. These
statistical processes and viewing serve to underline operational
trends.
3.2.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF PGS
PGS is true 32-bit application software running on PC computers
operating Microsoft
Windows XP. It provides the operator with
a configurable workspace. Moreover, the PGS toolbar set is fully
customizable and can be easily adapted to individual user
requirements.PGS can provide a readout of most commonly used FDR/QAR, for
which the configuring of the parameters has been coded, making
the process automated. A common user interface is used, so
that the operator is not overly concerned with the various
technical options, provided by the equipment.
PGS-DS comes with a predefined parameter database. PGS-VS
and PGS-AS come with straightforward database editor, which
allows the user to configure data and analysis settings to their
own needs. These editors include:
Fleet management configuration (PGS-VS and PGS-AS) Flight parameter editor to set up Logical Frame Layout (LFL)
(PGS-VS and PGS-AS)
Flight profile editor (PGS-AS only) Event Editor (PGS-AS only) Analysis Program Editor (PGS-AS only)Note: Ready made databases are available or can be built as part
of bespoke programming service available from Penny & Giles.
PGS has been designed to be a configurable system that
operators can easily adapt to their own requirements.
PGS-VS and PGS-AS afford the user the flexibility to add new
aircraft, events and abnormal parameter readings quickly and
easily.
Advanced Investigation
Statistical Profiling
Interface To Most FDRAnd QAR
User Defined AnalysisParameters
Real 32-Bit Windowsapplication
Modular and
Customizable
Automated Procedures
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In addition to its modular and customizable background, PGS-AS
allows the operator complete configuration of events to be
detected, levels to be used and limits to be checked. PGS offers
the operator automated procedures to ease and accelerate flight
data analysis. Minimum effort is required to download and
analyse a complete data cartridge of flights.
After the flight data has been downloaded and analysed,
according to the operator event detection settings, PGS
automatically generates a comprehensive on-screen or printed
report of detected events
PGS comes with a complete set of tools to assist the operator
when advanced investigation is required:
High Resolution display (up to 1600 x 1200 dpi according tohardware capabilities),
Parameter plots are managed in a multi-sheet viewingworkspace,
Each sheet can display up to 20 flight data parameters tracedon the screen,
Magnify capability up to the second (1/64 of second) Get instant value of each parameter, Tabular data linked with curves, Resizable and sliding parameter scales and plots, Markers can be used to indicate a specific time slot along all
traces,
In addition, PGS can interface with most popular software
programs such as Microsoft
Excel. Specific and bespoke
interfaces can also be carried out.
Automatic ReportGenerator
Powerful Graphic Tools
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Figure 2 A PGS- AS multi sheet graphical workspace
Multi Graphic
tabbed workspaces
Engineering Units forparameter traces
Abnormal parameterreadings highlighted withassociated severity colour
Resizable &Sliding scales
Tags: Instant Values
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3.3 AIRCRAFT AND FLEET AND FLIGHT MANAGEMENT
The fleet management function available in PGS-VS and PGS-AS
allows the user to easily access the specification and flight files
of each of the aircraft handled by the system. This high level
interface increases the user-friendliness of every day operations.
This function encompasses the following modules:
Fleet Management A/C details setting module with a ready made equipment
database
Flight ManagementThe fleet and flight management modules are the two main
elements that allow the user to operate and complete all theprocesses covered by flight data analysis operations.
3.3.1 FLEET AND FLIGHT MANAGEMENT
3.3.1.1 FLEET MANAGEMENT
Figure 3a Fleet Management
PGS-VS and PGS-ASprovide fleet managementsupport.
PGS-DS is dedicated to asingle aircraft and
configuration.
Individual tabs percustomer
Aircraft organised by Type,Tail No and Serial No.
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One of the primary benefits of PGS-VS and PGS-AS is to provide a
comprehensive view of all aircraft within a given fleet. This fleet
management interface has been designed so as to allow the user
easy aircraft management information. A user-friendly fleet and
flight management interface and configuration supports all of
these features that provide the user with a comprehensive data
handling facility.
The main features of this interface are as follows:
The interface can support the management of severalairlines simultaneously
Only the most distinctive characteristics of each aircraft aredisplayed.
As the aircraft is selected, the user gains instant access to alldata available on that aircraft:
The flight files of the aircraft, which can be instantlyplotted
The Flight Data Recording (FDR) equipment installedon board the aircraft
The flight data parameters recorded The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) download interface
3.3.1.2 AIRCRAFT DETAIL EDITORAircraft details may be set up so that the flight data read-out
processes can be automatically operated. The editor, shown in
Figure 4, is used to set up the configuration of the Flight Data
Recording (FDR) equipment, with which each aircraft of the fleet
is fitted. Using these settings, PGS then enables the operator to
instantly launch read-out procedures without having to type in
any additional information:
The Detail Editor comes with a database of equipment
supported. However, PGS will not read-out from equipment
other than those listed in the original database withoutadditional configuration of the database.
Support for different aircrafttypes, details of each are
maintained for DAU,Recorder, data frame layout,
parameter types, flight
phases and events
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Figure 4 Aircraft (A/C) Detail Editor
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3.3.1.3 FLIGHT MANAGEMENT AND FLIGHT DATA REPLAYTOOLS
3.3.1.3.1 FLIGHT MANAGEMENT.In addition to the fleet management screen, PGS allows the user
to display all flight files for each aircraft.
As soon as a flight is selected, the Plot option allows the
operator to instantly select flight data parameters for display or
use predefined groups of flight data parameters.
Figure 5 Flight Management
3.3.1.3.2 FLIGHT DATA REPLAY TOOLSEach PGS product comes with a powerful parameter graphic
presentation and replay interface that allows the user to
examine the actual values of parameters in depth. The operator
is thus given all relevant tools to understand events and any
abnormal parameter readings detected.
Each download is termed a'flight'. To view, highlight
and click 'Plot'
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A complete set of tools provides the operator with an accurate
visualization of parameters. Data may be shown in accordance
with sample settings and the list of parameters to be displayed
can be reconfigured by the user.
Main capabilities are as follows:
Fully customizable Multi-sheet workspaceTogether with an enhanced fully customizable docking bar
system, the workspace is based on a multi-graphic sheet viewing
of flight data parameters. The operator may determine which
parameters are to be plotted in each sheet and each sheet may
display up to 20 parameters.
Screen resolution adaptabilityWhichever screen resolution is operated (800x600, 1024x768,
1600x1200 dpi or higher), PGS automatically adapts to it without
any resultant loss in quality.
Outstanding magnification capabilitiesAll displayed data may be instantly magnified up to the sample
recorded.
Resizable and sliding parameter scales and plotsThe user may resize and change scales at will, and associated
plots are redrawn accordingly. Useful flags that display instant value for each parameterWhen operated, this tool instantly displays the value of the
parameter when the cursor is moved. In addition, the user
marker tool allows the user to identify one or more time slots
within the flight.
Tabular data may be displayed along with graphsCurves may be displayed along with an interactive sheet of
tabular data. Setting a position on a curve highlights the
corresponding value on the sheet and vice versa. The sheet may
encompass more flight data parameters than the ones actually
plotted. Such a capability is also available along with the PGS-AS
event report facility, when required.
Set of tools to move quickly from one flight to anotherThe user may switch forward and backward on the flight list of
the aircraft at a click.
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Values of discrete parameters are displayed in ASCII format
Displays meaningful text for discrete parameters e.g.:Disengaged or Engaged instead of 0 and 1 See next
page.
Customizable time scaleTime scale may be displayed using different modes.
Figure 6 Flight Viewing Tools
Resizable & sliding scales
User markers
Indexes through flights
InstantaneousEngineering units
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Figure 7 Advanced Flight Analysis Management
Automatic flightphase detection
Click on an event and theassociated position isflagged in the graphical
Comprehensive detailed
report with distinctcolours for each severity
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Figure 8 Combining Tabular Data with Curves
Multiple views, plots,lists and analysis.
Plots zoom in and out ofparameter data, rangingfrom the entire flight to asingle parameter point
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3.3.1.3.3 REAL TIME DATA MONITORINGPGS supports real time FDR data monitoring, for HOMPapplications for instance. This is accomplished through the use
of an interface such as the D51651 Monitoring and Download
Unit (MDU) which when connected to the ARINC 717 FDR Data
Out pins of the FDR or to the FDAU output port; the data being
supplied to the FDR can be simultaneously monitored in real
time.
Any parameter defined within the aircraft frame layout may be
displayed in a number of formats from binary through to
engineering units.
Figure 9 Real Time Data Monitor control/display panel
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3.3.1.3.4 AUDIO REPLAY TOOLSPGS can download, decompress and replay audio records from a
number of recorders, and depending on the Solid State Cockpit
Voice & combined Flight Data Recorder (SSCVFDR), Solid State
Cockpit Recorder (SSCVR), or other recorder type from which the
audio data is supplied, PGS can operate the relevant algorithms
to decompress the audio and produce standard WAV files
compliant to Microsoft Windows
format. This means that such
files may be replayed using any standard audio equipped PC and
software.
The PGS audio replay tool is able to handle up to 4 separate
audio files at the same time and allows the operator the ability
to define an audio level for each or to mute as required. Theoperator can also use the cursor to fast forward along the file.
Just like the tracer tool or the Event Report facility, the audio
tool may be used with the viewing of flight data parameter. In
such instances case, PGS is able to replay the audio data along
with the flight data parameters.
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Figure 10 Audio Replay Tool
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3.3.1.3.5 SETTINGSWith a fully customizable toolbar, PGS allows users to set up themost convenient software configuration, using the window
below:
Figure 11 Settings
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3.4 LOGICAL FRAME LAYOUT AND EVENT DETECTION
PROGRAMS
3.4.1 DATABASE AND PARAMETER EDITORS
PGS-DS supports a single predefined parameter database only.
Parameter creation or editing is not possible.
PGS-VS and PGS-AS both offer the ability to create, define and
edit frame format and parameter definitions.
3.4.1.1 DATABASE EDITORFlight data is recorded as a 12-bit word serial data stream,
composed of frames and SubFrames, in which flight data
parameters are encoded by the FDAU/DFDAU.
PGS comprises all necessary and easy to operate editors that
allow the operator to set up and maintain databases. The
decoding algorithms use these databases to locate and convert
the values of flight data parameters to engineering units.
This Database Editor allows the user to set up the main
specifications of the serial data bit stream and to create a
database that applies to the aircraft:
The main specifications of the database range are as follows:
Number of Subframes per Frame : 4
Number of Words per Subframes : From 10 to 1024
Number of Words per Second : From 10 to 1024
Number of Bits par Word : 12
Synchronization Words : Teledyne Standard
: Hamilton Standard
: Custom / User Defined
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Figure 12 Database Editor
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3.4.1.2 PARAMETER EDITOREach recorded flight data parameter has a definite location
within the frame. It is then necessary to define this location so
that the software extracts the relevant parameter from the
frame and processes it to display engineering values,
comprehensible to any operator.
The Logical Frame Layout (LFL) is set up thanks to the following
parameter editor:
The use of this editor allows the operator to decode any type of
flight data parameter:
Analogue codedparameters
Character codedparameters
Binary coded parameters Float IEEE codedparameters
BCD coded parametersand to select the relevant formula required to convert the
decimal value of the parameter into significant engineering
units:
Linear Matrix Non linear Co-ordinates Polynomial Super-frame counter Discrete
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Figure 13 Parameter Editor
Each formula coefficient is set up using a comprehensive
window:
Figure 14 Example of Polynomial Formula parameter entry
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In addition, PGS allows the operator a complete customization of
the parameter display mode:
Decimal Octal Hexadecimal HH:MM:SS ASCII DDMMSS BinaryFinally, a graphic test function can display a simulation of the
parameter based on the formula set up. It thus allows the user
to easily check the relevancy of each setting:
Figure 15 Parameter Graphic Simulation
3.4.2 FLIGHT PROFILE AND EVENT EDITORS
The flight profile and event analysis functions are available in the
PGS-AS only.
3.4.2.1 FLIGHT PROFILE EDITORThe analysis process requires flight phases to be automatically
identified within each flight (Taxi Out, Take Off, Initial Climb,
Cruise and so on). The type and the severity of abnormal
parameter readings and events depend greatly upon the flight
phase, in which they occurred.
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Figure 16 Flight Profile Editor
PGS-AS is equipped with a complete flight phase editor (Figure
16 refers) that allows the operator to set up the values of
parameters that determine the beginning and end of each flight
phase:
The operator may use a combination of several parameters to
adjust the start of each flight phase. Figure 17 is an example ofthe subdivisions of a standard flight:
3.4.2.2 EVENT EDITORThe event editor is used to set up the conditions so that an
abnormal parameter reading or an event can be readily detected
and reported.
Each event may be set up to be detected in one or more phases
of the flight. The operator can then determine the severity level
to apply, according to the phase.
Conditions are set up for each event. The dialogue box belowallows the user to build a combination of parameters. During the
flight analysis, PGS-AS reports an excessive parameter reading
every time this combination comes into play.
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Figure 17 Flight Profile Example
Figure 18 Event Editor
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Figure 19: Setting Conditions for an Event
3.5 FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS AND EVENT REPORTS
Flight Data Parameter Read-out is performed by both PGS-VS
(Vision) and PGS-AS (Analysis) releases. The flight data analysisand event reporting functions are only available with PGS-AS
(Analysis).
3.5.1 FLIGHT DATA PARAMETER READ-OUT
The flight data parameters that PGS can analyse are those
processed by the on-board recorders.
PGS gathers flight data from a wide variety of recording
equipment, either crash or maintenance dedicated. PGS can
interface to the following hardware equipment in order to read-
out flight data (.
ARINC 573/717 MAGNETIC FLIGHT DATA RECORDERS ARINC 573/717 SOLID STATE FLIGHT DATA RECORDERS ARINC 573/717 MAINTENANCE RECORDERS USING
MAGNETO-OPTICAL DISK
ARINC 573/717 MAINTENANCE RECORDERS USING PCMCIAMEMORY CARD
ARINC 429 MAINTENANCE RECORDERSMoreover, PGS can adapt to some specific file formats and may
be upgraded on request.
3.5.1.1 FLIGHT DATA RECORDER READOUTTo manage the recorder read-out, PGS displays a dialogue
window, specific to the equipment to be downloaded. Each one
of these windows displays the commands available to the
operator. Figure 20 is a typical such box for the Penny and Giles
Multi Purpose Flight Recorder (MPFR).
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The readout process takes into account the equipment details,
set for the particular aircraft and will automatically complete all
necessary tasks.
3.5.1.2 RECORDER READOUTBecause they have been designed for easy and quick retrieval of
data, QARs, OQARs, PQARs and SSQARs permit the easiest
processing of flights since they usually contain a separate file for
each flight, together with useful information such as start times
and dates. The operator may then select some or all of the files
he wishes to process.
Figure 20 Example of FDR Readout Dialog Window
3.5.2 AUTOMATIC FLIGHT DATA ANALYSIS
The PGS-AS Flight data analysis module detects abnormal
parameter readings and events, according to those thresholds,
previously established by the operator.
This module reads out the whole content of the disk, identifies
and analyses the data of each flight and produces a
comprehensive on-screen report.
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When necessary, the operator can utilise the systems powerful
tools to analyse each and every event detected and discard any
false abnormal parameter readings, which the software may
have detected.
This module has been designed to simplify and ease the
operators job. From the Fleet Management menu, the user
selects the aircraft that the flight data information file comes
from and then clicks the Analyse option:
Figure 21 Start Analysis Process
As the process is in progress, a status window allows the
operator to quickly check the analysis procedure:
Figure 22 Analysis Process in Progress
Due to the powerful development tools used, the analysis
process is completed very quickly; some examples of system
performance are listed at the end of this document.
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Figure 23 is a summary of the process PGS runs when analysing a
disk or a cartridge. When no sensible flight phases have been
found in a file, PGS assumes that the file is not a flight (Ground
run or recording on ground). In such cases the file is moved to a
recycle bin located in the directory of the aircraft. The fleet
management module allows the operator to move to this bin
and view the file anyway.
Figure 23 Breakdown of PGS Analysis Process
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3.5.3 EVENT REPORT
Once the analysis process is completed, a comprehensive report
is built and displayed to the user.
Optionally, the report may be printed automatically. However,
by firstly viewing the report on screen the operator can
investigate some events and discard those he may not consider
as relevant ones.
Figure 24 Detailed Event Report
Comprehensive detailedreport with distinctcolours for each severity
A single report for all flightsmaintained for the aircraft
A single click opens the
flight and tags the event
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3.5.4 ADVANCED ANALYSIS AND REPORT
The Advanced Analysis function may be operated at any time to
examine how a detected event occurred.
Figure 25 Advanced Analysis
This analysis level permits the operator to display curves of
involved flight parameters along with other parameters.
More useful and relevant is the ability of the PGS system to
display all closely related events on the same screen, each event
being definitively identified.
The whole set of PGS tools, such as zooming up to the sample,
resizing and sliding scales is made available during such
advanced analysis Some of the tools available, such as the
Marker tool, allow the operator to set up defining marks at all
points along the curves.
Event marked with eachseverity class colour
Excessive parameter readingidentified, plotted andviewed in the tracer and the
Tracer can be used to listadditional parameters
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The parameters involved in the event can be plotted in a specific
sheet; alongside this the software can add as many sheets as
groups of parameters are defined for this aircraft.
Excessive parameter readings are identified, plotted and viewed
in the tracer and in the Event Marked with its severity colour
report
Figure 26 Example of an Analysis Severity report
3.6 PERFORMANCE
3.6.1 FRAME FORMAT SPECIFICATION
Number of Subframes per Frame : 4
Number of Words per Subframes : From 10 to 1024
Number of Words per Second : From 10 to 1024
Number of Bits par Word : 12
Synchronization Words : Teledyne Standard
: Hamilton Standard
: Users defined
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3.6.2 NUMBER OF FLIGHT DATA PARAMETERS AND EVENTS
PER AIRCRAFT
The database file structure has been designed to handle up to
16,000 parameter definitions per aircraft including ARINC
573/717 and ARINC 429 standards.
The database event structure has been designed to handle up to
5000 event definitions per aircraft
3.6.3 NUMBER AND SIZE OF FLIGHT DATA FILES
Number of flight files allowed : Depends on disk capacity
Size of a one hour file : 900 Kbytes
(128 words per second)
3.6.4 PROCESSING SPEED
Tests were processed as follows:
Hardware : PC Pentium III 450 MHZ
Operating System : Windows NT
Flight file length : 10 hours
Time required : 2 seconds
Average Processing time : 0.3 Second per Flight Hour
3.6.5 PRINTERS & MONITORSPRINTERS : PGS works with any B&W or Colour printer
hosted by the Windows operating system.
MONITORS : PGS adapts any screen resolution of the user
computer without any loss in quality: up to 1600
x 1200 dpi (or higher if available)
3.6.6 EXPORT AND IMPORT OF FLIGHT DATA
PGS flight data files can be exported in the form of ASCII format
files. Such files may be utilized using industry standard software
(Microsoft Excel etc)
3.6.7 PGS SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT
Source Code language : C++
Graphic User Interface : Microsoft Visual Studio & Proprietary
Database System : Proprietary with Microsoft SQL 7
compatibility
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Compiler : Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0
3.7 PGS VISUALISATION
PGS Visualisation (PGS-VIS) is an optional bolt-on tool for PGS-VS
(Vision) and PGS-AS (Analysis). PGS Visualisation (PGS-VIS)
provides the user with the ability to present recorded flights in a
3D graphical format, combined with the parametric traces and
audio file playback.
The PGS Visualisation screens can be separated from the
graphical traces allowing effective PC dual screen utilization.
Views, arranged on windows tabs, may be combined or kept
separate to maximize screen usage, Figure 27 shows a typical
layout.Aircraft models are available for fixed wing and rotary wing
aircraft that include basic instrument panels. An instrument
editor is provided to enable the user to adapt, modify or create
instrument panels.
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Figure 27 PGS Visualisation Screen Shot
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Figure 28 Multi Camera view
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4 Penny & Giles Aerospace Ltd
4.1 Company BackgroundPenny and Giles Aerospace is a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Curtiss-Wright Corporation forming part of the Motion Control
group.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation was formed in 1929 from the merger
of Wright Aeronautical Corporation and Curtiss Aerospace and
Motor Company and is headquartered in New Jersey, US. It is a
diversified Global enterprise.
In 1955 Penny and Giles Limited (one of the original companies
that now form Penny & Giles) was founded, initially to provide
flight test instrumentation. A product line of various transducersand recording equipment was developed and by 1957 the first
magnetic Accident Data Recorder (ADR), was test flown on a
Gloster Meteor at the Boscombe Down Research Establishment,
England.
Following the success of the early pioneering work in flight data
recording, the company secured contracts with the UK Ministry
of Defence to supply crash recorders for fighter aircraft. These
early recorders typically recorded 24 parameters onto stainless
steel wire for a duration of 4 hours.
Penny & Giles branched into commercial aviation when the UK
Government announced that aircraft heavier than 25,000 lb
were to be fitted with accident recorders. The overnight
competition that subsequently appeared greatly accelerated the
recorder development program and several systems using Mylar
and stainless steel tape were produced.
The company developed the first combined Cockpit Voice (CVR)
and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). Being designed for military
combat aircraft, the units had to be lightweight and small. Crash
survivability requirements also exceeded the existing standards
for commercial aircraft. Launched initially on the Harrier GR5
program, several other versions were created and exported tooverseas air forces for a variety of aircraft. With the UK Civil
Aviation Authority mandate for recorders on rotary-wing
aircraft, a civil version of the CVFDR was produced.
Crash Protected Flight DataRecorders
The original wire recordermanufactured by Penny & Giles
The first commercially certifiedcombined voice and data recorder
First crash protected flight recorderinstalled on a Gloster Meteor by
Penny & Giles
Second generation Penny & GilesCVFDR employing solid-state media
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The development of the CVFDR continued, and the recording
medium has now been changed to solid-state memory devices.
The Solid State Combined Voice and Flight Data Recorder
(SSCVFDR) was the first solid-state unit to be certified for use on
commercial aircraft.
4.1.1 Air Data Products
Penny & Giles Aerospace has manufactured air pressure sensors
since 1955 and were responsible for developing the (patented)
conductive plastic technology for the first generation of
potentiometric air pressure sensors. Their first air data computer
was produced in 1983 and since that date Penny & Giles
Aerospace have become established as suppliers of primary and
secondary air data computers, using potentiometric, vibratingcylinder and more recently solid-state silicon pressure sensors.
To support the above ADCs, Penny & Giles Aerospace developed
a range of Pitot Static Test Sets, ranging from hand-pumped leak
testers to high accuracy units for calibration, featuring automatic
electric pumps with full computer control of altitude, airspeed
and rate of climb. As with the installed base of ADCs, these Pitot-
Static Test Sets are used world-wide by both civil and military
operators:
UK MoD - Navy UK MoD - Air Force (Tornado)In particular they are used by UK MoD for the Tornado aircraft.
4.1.2 Other Products
In addition to its background in air data, Penny and Giles
provides a range of sensing, test and instrumentation products,
including:
Ice and snow detection systems Maintenance Data RecordersPosition Sensors
Potentiometers Linear & Rotary Variable Displacement Transducers
(LVDTs)
Rotary Variable Displacement Transducers (RVDTs)
Computer Controlled Air Data TestSet
Ice and Snow detection SystemComprising Sensor head and
Electronics module
Solid State Quick AccessRecorder
Linear / Rotary Displacement
PCMCIA Quick Access Recorder
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THIS SHEET IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
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Penny & Giles Aerospace Ltd., 1 Airfield Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3TH, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1202 481771 Fax +44 (0)1202 484846 http://www.website/www.pennyandgiles.com