BAGAIA proposes cloud computing to aid aircraft accident investigation
The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Bureau ( BAGAIA) has proposed Cloud computing technology as a means of data storage to aid in improving aircraft accident investigation.
Commissioner of BAGAIA, Engr Charles Irikefe Erhueh, also, made a Proposal for Flight Data Analysis Capability for Member States for the purpose of carrying out aircraft accident investigation.
The BAGAIA Commissioner, who was featured in a panel discussion on the topic “the Future of Aviation Safety and Aircraft Accident Investigation” made this known yesterday, May 3, in Dubai at the ongoing two- day Symposium at the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre.
His presentation was centred on Overview of BAGAIA – Regional [Aircraft Accident Investigation] Emerging Challenges & Opportunities.
According to him, the use of Cloud Computing technology will enable data from aircraft to continue streaming to ground stations, such that if there is an incident or accident and the aircraft losses Flight Data Recorders (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), investigators can draw these information streaming real time from the cloud.
He said, “Cloud computing technology through linkage to aircraft systems in real time for data network environment will maintain a continuous flow of data and safety of the aircraft’s data communications to the cloud on the ground to facilitate the tracking and monitoring of aircraft in real-time, in case the aircraft crashes and loses or suffers damages on its black box component.
Responding to questions with regards to cloud computing, Erhueh said, “So in my presentation, I made a reference to it where cloud computing will help the investigations.
“That is, in case there are no recovered Flight Recorders during a crash, as most e-enabled aircraft send signals to the cloud, which such data can be retrieved by investigators for investigation purposes.”
He, however, said research has shown that the use of cloud computing platforms presently would not be feasible because of security concerns, and that a comprehensive cloud computing platform that would actively track and monitor all planes in the sky simultaneously without collapsing is absent.
He further added that, in the meantime, BAGAIA keeps a database where crash occurrences, causes gathered over time are documented which could aid new investigation.
He said, “There could be different categories of accident investigations ranging from simple to more complex/major investigations involving a full team of investigators.
“There is a database at BAGAIA to keep records of occurrences within the day Region BAGAIA will make use of the advantage of a series of data (Big Data) gathered over time; analysis of a database of accident records to quickly identify trends with previous accidents.
“This process could probably pick out probable accident causal factors, contributory factors which will help in making relevant recommendations thereby enhancing the investigation process within the BAG Region.”
According to him, this data gathered over time from investigation processes could be used for safety studies for training purposes of safety investigators within the BAG Member States.
