We create the first-ever interactive 3D flight animation with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The 'Risk of Collision' incident over the Atlantic Ocean is animated on a UNIX computer and is the genesis of RAPS (Recovery, Analysis and Presentation System).
RAPS unique capabilities are such that it can recover data far beyond the
capabilities of the recorder manufacturer replay systems (designed for
routine airline playback). RAPS attracts the attention of the German
military, German BFU, US NTSB, French BEA and Australian ATSB who began to
use RAPS under an international cooperation agreement.
In the same year, AIR (Accident Investigation & Research) is formed largely
supporting the legal community as expert witnesses for aircraft accident
investigations.
AIR commercializes its first animation tool developed in cooperation with
the National Research Council of Canada in 1995.
Airbus sees RAPS for the first time in 1991 when the flight data recorder
from the A320 accident in Bangalore India is brought to TSB/C. Airbus makes
a formal request for RAPS, but TSB/C is not prepared to allow its use
outside of government users.
The UK-based Flight Data Company acquires AIR and begins to focus on airline
FDM programs.
A proposal to commercialize RAPS is submitted to TSB/C.
TSB/C decides to accept the staff proposal for RAPS commercialization, and
Flightscape is formed by TSB staff (Mike Poole and Bob Hoyle).
Flightscape ports the UNIX-based RAPS to Windows and rebrands it to Insight.
Air Canada selects the Flight Data Company FDC for their FDM program
Flightscape launches the world's first FDM service.
IATA selects Flightscape to develop IATA FDX (Flight Data Exchange) Program.
Teledyne Controls buys the Flight Data Company with Steve Roberts and JS
Theriault heading the flight data systems division.
Flightscape is acquired by CAE to 'close the loop' between accident
investigation and training. Flightscape introduces the concept of simulator
'FOQA' to CAE.
At the same time, AIR founders (Steve and JS) leave Teledyne and form
Applied Informatics & Research Inc. (AIRINC).
Air Canada moves its FDM business to AIRINC.
Flightscape expands its investigation tools to include FDM capability.
The founders of Flightscape (Mike & Bob) form Plane Sciences to pursue the accident investigation community. Plane Sciences co-locates with AIRINC and begins collaborating.
CAE decides to novate all Insight customers (back) to Plane Sciences and provides PSI with all the source codes for Insight.
After working together for 10+ years, AIRINC and Plane Sciences decide to formally operate as one cohesive company and form APS Aerospace (APS = AIRINC + Plane Sciences).