Why the Black Box Debate Isn't Over

Why the Black Box Debate Isn’t Over

Stephen Pope

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 12:38 AM ET

Verified

Flight Data Recorder Flying

Key Takeaways:

Honeywell's acquisition of EMS Technologies, a leading satellite communications specialist, unites expertise in flight data recording and satellite communications, potentially reigniting calls for live flight-data transmission.
This merger could foster a new business model centered on systems that automatically beam black box data via satellite during emergencies, addressing concerns about data retrieval from crash sites like Air France Flight 447.
While satcom providers advocate for live data transmission as a vital safety enhancement, some industry voices contend that traditional black box technology remains effective and that live transmission calls are misguided.

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I’m wondering: Will Honeywell’s announcement that it’s acquiring airborne satcom system specialist EMS Technologies reignite calls for airlines to transmit live flight-data information rather than relying on what can be obtained from black boxes found at a crash site?

Here’s why I ask: Honeywell is the maker of the flight data recorder used aboard doomed Air France Flight 447. EMS Technologies is the world’s leading supplier of the type of satellite communications gear that could be used to beam flight-related information to airline data centers on the ground.