Uber has selected GE Aviation to provide the flight data monitoring program for its planned fleet of air taxis.
Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) is the process of analyzing and reviewing routinely recorded flight data. Airlines and operators use FDM to identify and eliminate potential safety hazards in flight operations. Since its introduction in the airline industry more than 20 years ago, FDM has been widely credited with reducing incident and accident rates at airlines and aircraft operators where it has been adopted.
The initial phase of this program will see GE Aviation’s engineers develop the requirements for the flight data monitoring program.
Andrew Coleman, general manager of GE Aviation’s Digital Group said, “This partnership will help expand our digital innovation as the travel industry continues to evolve. We’re able to bring our experience in digital across the travel ecosystem by helping travelers reach their destination safely and efficiently.”
Uber Elevate is part of the Uber taxi service company which is focused on developing an air taxi service “Uber Air”. The company plans to launch the service using eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft in Dallas and Los Angeles during 2023.
GE Aviation’s FDM service is used by hundreds of operators worldwide and uses analytics software to combine meteorological information, navigation data, and terrain mapping to identify safety events on flights.
John Illson, head of aviation safety with Uber Elevate said, “Safety is a core value for Uber Elevate – we are voluntarily implementing a safety management system and developing voluntary programs that have yielded proven safety benefits for the aviation industry.”
