The goal here is to make the flight data work for the pilots so that it is a positivelearning experience. For this we need to look beyond the non-compliance with quantitative data parameters. The challenge is to find the qualitative elements. We can do this by looking at the profile preceding the event in question from the perspective of the pilot flying, pilot monitoring through the lens of the 9 ICAO/IATA pilot competencies.
Let’s take a simple hypothetical example, an unstable approach. The data points from 1000 feet will show if the company’s Standard Operating Procedures were met, quantitatively. Looking back up the descent profile could show that the aircraft washeld at an intermediate level during the descent from which the distance to touchdown could clearly be seen and would not allow sufficient distance to achieve a stable approach. For this example, let’s say it was more or less a straight in approach, with no ATC delays. Looking down the descent profile, it can be seen that the speed brake was not used. The autopilot was used throughout the descent and landing gear was lowered at 1500 feet, but the aircraft still had too much speed to achievethe company stable approach criteria. You now have a richer picture of the pre-cursors to the unstable approach. So, what does that tell us?
