Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

CGI has announced the expansion of its Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) initiative, which promises to enhance aviation safety by introducing&nbsp;a cloud-based alternative to traditional “black box” flight recorders that meets global regulatory standards.
The CGI VirtualFlightRecorder, developed with support from the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, will leverage AWS cloud infrastructure to provide real-time flight data transmission and storage capabilities that align with ICAO’s standards for Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety Systems.
Building on initial pilot demonstrations, the system incorporates blockchain technology to ensure data authenticity and integrity—critical factors for regulatory compliance and potential use in accident investigations. The system is designed to transmit flight data via satellite in emergency scenarios, creating a virtual backup that would remain accessible even if physical recorders are damaged or lost.
“This ongoing project underscores CGI’s role in advancing aviation safety through transformative technology,” said Neil Timms, senior v-p of space, defense, and intelligence at CGI in the UK and Australia. “By evolving the UVFDR into a commercial service, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder will help aircraft operators boost their operational efficiency while supporting safer skies.”
CGI’s VirtualFlightRecorder is intended to serve commercial air transport, business and general aviation, and advanced air mobility, and it’s designed to integrate with existing aircraft interface devices.
The expansion phase will include demonstration flights with Cranfield University’s Flying Laboratory to validate data resilience and transmission capabilities.
While traditional flight data recorders remain the industry standard, virtual solutions could provide additional data redundancy and accessibility during accident investigations.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

CGI Expands Virtual Flight Data Recorder Initiative To Enhance Safety

Virtual FDR is a cloud-based alternative to traditional “black box” units 

CGI's Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) initiative is developing a cloud-based alternative to traditional “black box” flight recorders.

CGI Expands Virtual Flight Data Recorder Initiative

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Recent events renew focus on training

Thousands of Pilots Join GA Safety Campaign

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Event to highlight safety and compliance

SCAA, Web Manuals To Host San Diego Safety Stand Down

Amy Wilder

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Affordable tech aims to reduce midair collision risks

EASA Advances Airborne Collision Prevention for GA

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Agency stresses use of ‘unable’ when clearances reduce safety margins

FAA SAFO Warns Air Carriers of Visual Approach Risks

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Ellis provided insight into the aftermath of the February 2024 event

Hop-A-Jet’s Ellis Shares Lessons Learned from Crash

ACSF President Burns’ son Ryan relays lessons learned from football

ACSF Symposium Challenges All To Dig Deeper on Safety

Orgs appeal to pilots to take time to review safety information

GA Industry Teams with FAA on National Safety Pause

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

More In Safety