FOQA Committee Update

Increase in Exceedance Events

FOQA has recently observed a surge in exceedance events, including but not limited to:
✈ Flap overspeed
✈ Gear overspeed
✈ VMO/MMO exceedances
✈ General airspeed events

Given these trends, we urge all pilots to remain vigilant regarding aircraft limitations and airspace regulations.

Key Considerations:
✔ The Airbus fleet may not notify crews of an overspeed condition until well beyond the stated limitation.
✔ The Boeing fleet lacks aural overspeed indications in most cases, requiring pilots to visually monitor speeds.
✔ The Flap Load Relief function provides only a visual indication via the flap position indicator—another reason to remain extra attentive to speed limitations.

Stabilized Approaches: A Critical Reminder

The FOQA Monitoring Team (FMT) has also identified a significant increase in flights that remain unstable beyond stabilization height.

🚨 Key Reminder: 500 feet is not a goal—it is a limit. If an aircraft is not stable and in the planned landing configuration at 1,000 ft HAA (IMC) or 500 ft HAA (VMC), a go-around should be initiated without hesitation.

Per the GOM, an approach is considered stabilized only if ALL of the following conditions are met before reaching stabilization height:
✔ The aircraft is on correct lateral and vertical flight path.
✔ Only small changes in heading and pitch are required to maintain flight path.
✔ Thrust is stabilized to maintain the target approach speed.
✔ The landing checklist is complete.

For Boeing pilots: Be aware that Flap Load Relief may automatically alter your flap configuration, potentially at undesired moments, particularly at or beyond flap limitation speeds. Increased vigilance is required in windy conditions.

New FOQA Data Analysis & Flight Review System

FOQA has introduced a new backend system that automates data analytics, providing significantly enhanced graphical interfaces and replay capabilities.

🚀 What This Means for You:
✔ Individual flights can now be shared with crews for replay, offering deeper insights into how events unfolded.
✔ Crews can review their own flights to enhance understanding and prevent future exceedances.
✔ A new commenting feature allows crews to provide feedback without unnecessary phone calls.
✔ Coming next year: Flights will be automatically available for review on your iPad shortly after landing.