SAFE Safety Augmentation for Flight Experiments

Kurzfassung

The advancement of aviation has made air travel an integral part of modern life. The global developments of climate change and the diminishing oil reserves make aviation research indispensable in finding solutions for sustainable and efficient utilisation of the aircraft as a means of transportation. Due to the serious impact that an aircraft crash or accident can have on human lives, flight safety is the highest priority to be maintained or even enhanced in any aviation operation. The significant improvement in aviation safety since the early days of flight can be attributed to the introduction of numerous safety systems, technological advancements, and an increased awareness among all stakeholders regarding flight safety. However, inherent risks and hazards to flight safety remain due to the highly complex and sophisticated system of aviation. To mitigate these risks, Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems play a crucial role. The primary objective of an FDM system is to detect anomalies, safety risks and other situations, which are 'out of the ordinary'. As a result, valuable safety information can be generated, used for mitigation actions to enhance the level of safety within the operation. This thesis focuses on developing, implementing, and testing an FDM system customised for the unique risks and hazards associated with the experimental flight operation of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The thesis begins by embedding the significance of FDM within safety management, addressing the legal requirements for FDM implementation, and introducing the Dr. Reasons 'Swiss Cheese Model' as a framework for understanding FDM objectives. The principles and elements of an FDM system are then described,followed by a study that identifies risks and hazards specific to special operations in general and experimental flight operation in the DLR. The study reveals that under certain circumstances, the risk of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) and Mid-Air Collision (MAC) events in experimental flight operations is slightly higher compared to commercial airline operations. To address these risks, a proof of concept of an FDM system is presented, focusing on three Modes designed to target CFIT-related risks. The thesis further explains the implementation and functionality of 'Mode 3', which is selected for programmatic implementation. A flight test is conducted, performing a simulated high-risk scenario to generate real data for the validation of the programs functionality. The results demonstrate that the developed FDM system is suitable, functional, and effective in providing safety information as a foundation for risk mitigation measures. In this way, the FDM system contributes to enhancing flight safety within the DLR experimental flight operation. The system serves as an initial approach and proof of concept, with the intention of continuous expansion and improvement in the future.