Minimum Requirements for

FOQA Analyst

Bob W Whetsell

Vice President of Sales

Aerobytes

2

Have we reached a point in time for the industry

to consider implementing minimum requirements

or standards for FOQA analysts?

Training

The Problem

Position PerceptionCareer position

Collage degree vs. no degree

Transit position

Pilot part time position

Analyst turnover rate

Lack of trainingSoftware OEM

Airline• Objectives

• Goals

FOQA Analyst Job PostingsEnsures algorithms are accurate, valid, and representative of requested analyses.

Performs the Program Leader FOQA/LOSA & rsquo;s duties while the Program Leader FOQA/LOSA is absent.

Ensures all generated data is accurate.

Ensures the FOQA Analyst Guidebook is accurate.

Assist the Program Leader FOQA/LOSA as needed.

Serves as the Administer of the FOQA Monitoring Team and FOQA Steering Committee

Attends all FOQA\-related meetings + Performs data validation on FOQA flight data.

Coordinates with the software vendor, Program Leader FOQA/LOSA, and FOQA MX Analyst\(s\) to resolve any discrepancies involving data downloads

Assist with evaluation and developing recommendations on company aircraft data collection and distribution capabilities on suitability for FOQA analysis and future upgrade requirements

Participate in working groups and design reviews to ensure that FOQA requirements are included in any proposed upgrades to fl ight recorders and other data acquisition systems

Work within the Company structure to educate personnel on FOQA and proactive safety program capabilities and requirements

Confer and coordinate with company departments, analysts, and stakeholders to identify trends and issues, and to generate aviation hazard and resolution information briefings, papers, articles, and educational materials

Coordinate with Company Departments & rsquo;s staff to ensure analyses address issues of concern to the various functional areas; access data for safety issues to guide FOQA analysis.

Assist with development, evaluation, monitoring, and compliance with FOQA regulations, concepts of operations, policies, standards, and procedures

Assist the Company with development, implementation, operational deployment, assessment, sustainment, and evolution of Company FOQA

Assist with creation and dissemination of professional articles, briefings, case studies, cost benefit analyses, marketing materials, and training materials to stakeholders and designated users at Company and targeted units that communicate FOQA safety findings, corrective actions, program plans, goals, objectives, benefits, schedule, and the road ahead

Assist with development, facilitation, and provide proactive safety program training and education to stakeholders

Requirements:

Proficient Microsoft Office software

Strong analytical skills

Proficient Email and internet skills

General understanding of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices, Federal Aviation Regulations \(FARs\),and airline safety programs

Knowledge of airline industry

Preferred Skills:

Basic understanding of computer programming

Strong communication and networking skills

Knowledge of statistical analysis

Basic understanding of Google Earth software

Ability to work in a team environment

Ability to multi\-task and prioritize accordingly

Drive for results and timely completion of assignments

Strong attention to detail

Analyst Questions

“Aileron? What

is aileron? You

explain aileron!”

“I don’t know how

to zip a file – can

you help?”

“How do I know

what are the Vfe

limits for my

airplane?”

“What is a

dataframe?”

“Why can’t I see

the intruder

aircraft in my

animation window

with a TCAS

RA?”

And the best yet:

requests for a

screenshot result in a

picture of a PC screen

taken with a cellphone!

“I sent you raw data –

it’s a text file. Is this

correct?”

Aerodynamics and Aircraft Knowledge

THEORY OF FLIGHT & POWERPLANT THEORY

BASIC AERONAUTICAL THEORY

AIRCRAFT TYPE DIFFERENCES

ENGINE TYPE DIFFERENCES

9

Company, Document & Regulatory Requirements

FLIGHT SAFETY DEPT MANAGEMENT

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

KNOWLEDGE OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS/UNION AGREEMENTS

TERMINOLOGY & JARGON

WHISTELBLOWING

10

Handling Data and IT Problems

11

DATA HANDLING, CONTROL, MEDIA

ABILITY TO VALIDATE AN EVENT

IT INFRASTRUCTURE

Operations & Company Safety Requirements

FLIGHT RISK FACTORS

COMMON INCIDENTS

AWARENESS OF CULTURAL DIFFERENCES/CRM

COMPETENCY RECORDING & ONGOING ASSESSMENT

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS & FDM

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS & BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE

12

Setting the Standard

What are the minimum requirements or standards

Who would set the requirements

Industry Associations • Flight Safety Foundation

• IATA

• AAPA

• NBAA

• ACSF

• Others

Regulatory Agencies – CAA, FAA, etc.…

Airlines & Unions

FOQA Software Developers

Qualities/Experience Analysts are…

Systematic, calm, analytical & objective

Have a healthy balance of strategic vs reactive

Constantly questioning & cross-checking

Higher IT & math skills

Good knowledge of the aircraft-types and airports they support

Excellent communication skills

Who Would Provide the Required Training

or Certification

Academia Singapore Aviation Academy

Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Cranfield University

University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

Others…

Associations Flight Safety Foundation

IATA

ALTA

APAA

Others…

Potential Road Blocks

Cost

More training

Higher salaries

Industry support

Regulatory involvement

Regional and cultural issues

Conclusion

17

18

Thank you for your commitment to safety

Thank you for being here this week