Flight Data Monitoring: Predictive Safety in Action

Margrét Hrefna Pétursdóttir
Oct 6
2 min read

In last week’s articles, we explored the three methods of hazard identification: predictive, proactive, and reactive. Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) deserves a closer look here, because it is often misunderstood. Too many still believe it is a reactive tool, when in reality, FDM is one of the most powerful predictive methods we have.

Flat-style illustration of a digital dashboard with flight data charts and an aircraft silhouette, symbolizing Flight Data Monitoring turning raw flight information into predictive safety insight. — FDM data turns raw flight information into predictive safety insight.

The Misunderstanding About FDM

At first glance, FDM may seem reactive: after all, it analyzes what has already happened on previous flights. Many assume it simply records exceedances and generates reports after the fact.

But this view misses the point. FDM is not about reacting to the past, it is about spotting patterns in the present to predict the future.

Why Flight Data Monitoring Is Predictive?

When used correctly, FDM allows an organization to see what might go wrong before it does:

Trend analysis: Instead of focusing on one exceedance, FDM highlights repeated patterns.
Early warning: Recurring unstable approaches, repeated exceedances in climb performance, or deviations in SOP compliance become visible long before they cause an accident.
Data-driven foresight: Management can then act proactively: adjusting training, revising procedures, or targeting oversight, before the hazard escalates.

In other words, FDM is less about recording what went wrong yesterday, and more about preventing what could go wrong tomorrow.

Closing the Loop

Collecting data is not enough. The real value of FDM comes when organizations close the loop:

Data is collected from flights.
Patterns and hazards are identified.
Management reviews the findings in context.
Corrective or preventive actions are implemented.
Results are fed back into the system and measured.

When this loop is broken, for example when reports are generated but no action is taken, FDM becomes a missed opportunity. But when it is closed, FDM is one of the strongest predictive tools available to aviation safety.

Why This Matters?

Evidence-based decision making: FDM provides objective data, not just isolated reports.
Resilience: Trends spotted early mean corrective actions can be taken before incidents occur.
Culture of trust: FDM works best in organizations with a healthy Just Culture, where data is used for learning, not punishment.

Looking Ahead

Predictive hazard identification is about structured foresight and therefore Flight Data Monitoring is a prime example about data transformed into safety.