Is FDM Required for Your Aircraft?

ICAO Annex 6 Part I, Amendment 49 (applicable since 28 November 2024) extends the FDM Standard to aeroplanes of a certificated take-off mass in excess of 15,000 kg with a passenger seating capacity greater than 19, and with a certificate of airworthiness first issued on or after 1 January 2027. In practice, most new ATR 42 and ATR 72 deliveries. ICAO also recommends FDM for every aeroplane over 15,000 kg, whatever its age.

Brazil’s RBAC 121 also covers aeroplanes already flying with a maximum approved take-off weight over 15,000 kg from 1 January 2027, when the FDR or QAR data can be downloaded without a retrofit. Canada has required it of scheduled international operators since 24 September 2026, now under Interim Order No. 4 (2026).

New EASA guidance sets targets for every programme: how many flights are covered, how fast data is processed and how fast significant events are validated. Offshore helicopter operators are included.