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Purdue University to Install GA-FDM Flight Data Monitoring for Training Aircraft Fleet

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first for accredited collegiate flight training programs, GA-FDM (http://www.ga-fdm.com) announced at the National Training Aircraft Symposium today that Purdue University's Department of Aviation Technology (http://www.tech.purdue.edu/at) is factory-equipping its fleet of new Cirrus training aircraft with GA-FDM's predictive Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and recording systems. The GA-FDM system, already used by corporate and air taxi firms, is modeled on the FAA's Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program that has been so successful at the major airlines in improving aviation safety and training, and reducing operational costs.

The GA-FDM system provides a web-enabled Digital Flight Data Recorder with built-in engine trend monitoring, embedded real-time flight analysis, and automatic wireless transfer for uploads via the Internet. At the conclusion of each flight, the system sends flight summary emails to pilots and instructors, and automatically uploads flight data and FDM/FOQA analysis results over the Internet to GA-FDM's servers. Internet connectivity is key to enabling Purdue faculty and students to conduct flight research, replays and training, using the latest in embedded FDM/FOQA technology, right from their desktop.

"Purdue stands at the industry forefront by embracing the safety and training benefits of FDM for their pilot training and research programs," said Brian Morrison, co-founder of GA-FDM. "Student pilots and instructors use standard web browsers to access near-real-time engine maintenance (MOQA) and flight (FOQA) evaluation reports as soon as they land, and review safety reports, operational and logbook data, Google Earth(TM) flight tracks, and play back or simulate any flight from their desk or laptop computer."

"A solid FDM program is a crucial part of risk management and safety assurance at the core of our safety management systems," said Brent Bowen, Professor and Head of Purdue's Department of Aviation Technology. "We feel it is important that our students begin to be immersed in FDM and SMS from day one, so they are well-prepared to enter the aviation industry as professional pilots. Our students will train to be the best, safest pilots in the history of general aviation. The data provided through these technologies will form the core of the model aviation data center being developed at Purdue. Data incorporated from the Cirrus fleet and Phenom Very Light Jet training program will be utilized in all three curricula of our aviation programs. Student and faculty researchers will use this information for trend analysis never before possible."

"Our approach underscores the philosophy 'Train like you fly; fly like you train,' by enabling pilots to learn from each other's experiences," said Scott Meacham, co-founder of GA-FDM. "We are proud to be working closely with Purdue to bring all the benefits of FDM to the student pilot curriculum, and to the future of aviation."

About GA-FDM

GA-FDM "Fly with Intelligence," the team of Alakai Technologies (http://www.alakai.us.com) and CAPACG (http://www.capacg.com), is focused on bringing the proven benefits of FDM/FOQA to General Aviation. GA-FDM systems help owners and operators implement proven FDM/FOQA and Safety Management System (SMS) programs. GA-FDM analyzes the tremendous volumes of flight data to increase safety, identify accident pre-cursors, reduce risks, improve training, and reduce operating costs. Detailed FDM/FOQA reports contain indicators of aircraft and pilot performance, with expert suggestions for preventive and corrective measures. Customers have experienced significant operational savings, including reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs, operational safety improvements, enhanced training, and lower aircraft insurance costs.

For more information, visit http://www.ga-fdm.com.

Media contact: Stuart "Kipp" Lau, Vice President of FDM Services, (502) 649-3211

About Purdue University

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, has a long history in aviation. Purdue was home to the first university-owned airport, and the first aviation course was offered at Purdue in 1911. In 1955 the Department of Aviation Technology was created, and the following year, a two-year flight education program was formed. In 1964, the general aviation flight technology program was started with aircraft used in the ROTC program. Today, more than 600 students are studying aviation technology at Purdue. The department is housed in Purdue's College of Technology.

Logos: http://www.ga-fdm.com/pr/logo_images.zip

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SOURCE Alakai Technologies