Services

Helicopter FDM

Flight data monitoring for rotary-wing fleets

Designed for the way helicopters operate

Helicopter Flight Data Monitoring (HFDM), also known as Helicopter Operations Monitoring Programme (HOMP), transforms routinely recorded flight data into actionable insights, providing continuous visibility into actual operational practices and enabling safety teams to identify trends, assess risks, and implement targeted safety improvements.

Helicopter operations present unique operational characteristics that require a tailored approach to flight data monitoring. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters routinely perform hovering manoeuvres, operate from diverse landing sites such as helipads, offshore platforms, vessel decks and confined areas, and frequently conduct multiple short flight sectors within a single mission.

AeroSight FDM is specifically designed to address these operational particularities, supporting more than 40 aircraft types across airline, business aviation and helicopter operations.

Operational site recognition. Flights are identified and monitored across the full range of helicopter operating environments, including heliports, helipads, offshore platforms, vessel decks and other specialised landing sites—not just conventional airports.

Monitoring suited to rotary-wing operations. Dedicated flight data monitoring events reflect the specific characteristics of helicopter operations, including hovering manoeuvres, approach profiles and landing procedures at helipads and confined operating sites. Event definitions and thresholds can be customised to meet individual operator requirements.

Compatibility with different recorders. Supports data from an FDR or QAR, and from lighter recorders on smaller helicopters.

Flexible programme management. Operators can manage and administer their HFDM programme internally or opt for a managed FDM service, with experienced analysts providing data processing, analysis and ongoing monitoring support.

Operational Applications

CAT Offshore

Under EU rules, an FDM programme is binding for commercial air transport offshore with a helicopter fitted with a flight data recorder. AeroSight supports operators in establishing and maintaining an effective monitoring programme, including preparation for the EASA requirements applicable from 1 January 2028.

HEMS and SAR

HEMS and SAR operations frequently involve time-critical missions, challenging weather conditions, demanding operational environments and landings at unprepared or confined sites. HFDM provides objective insight into how these missions are conducted, helping operators identify operational trends and potential safety risks that may not be captured through conventional occurrence reporting alone.

Corporate and VIP

Designed to accommodate smaller fleets and organisations with limited in-house safety resources. Operators can implement HFDM progressively, with the option of outsourcing programme management and data analysis through a managed FDM service.

The Integrated FDM Platform for Your Rotary-Wing Fleet

Events and 3D review. Customisable event detection tailored to your operational requirements, combined with detailed 3D flight visualisation, enabling in-depth analysis and review of individual flights.

Pilot Performance. Gain insight into individual pilot performance as well as overall fleet trends, while maintaining the de-identification safeguards and confidentiality requirements established by your organisation's safety policy.

Engine Condition Monitoring. Monitor individual engine performance and identify developing trends using data extracted from the same flight recorder files, integrating operational safety monitoring with engineering and maintenance analysis. Engine-specific configurations can be accommodated based on the installed engine types.

Fuel Efficiency. Analyse fuel consumption across individual flight phases using existing flight recorder data, providing visibility into fuel usage patterns and opportunities for operational efficiency improvements.

The AeroSight FDM v2 safety overview on a tablet, with programme KPIs

Regulatory Framework and Requirements

ICAO. Annex 6 Part III recommends, rather than requires, an FDM programme for helicopters of a certificated take-off mass in excess of 7 000 kg, or having a passenger seating configuration of more than 9, and fitted with a flight data recorder.

EASA. SPA.HOFO.145 requires an FDM system for commercial air transport offshore operations with a helicopter fitted with a flight data recorder.

Read more under Legislation, or check your Competent Authority requirements. Our Is FDM required? check covers aeroplanes only.

Tailored to Your Fleet. AeroSight FDM offers a flexible subscription model customised to the size and composition of your fleet, taking into account the number and types of aircraft operated. Request a complimentary demonstration to explore the platform's capabilities and identify the solution best suited to your operational requirements. For an overview of the platform's broader aircraft coverage, visit Fleet Coverage.

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