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Havacılıkta bulut teknolojisi: Uçuş kayıtlarının dijitalleşmesi ve Ek 13’ün yasal kapasitesi

Year 2026, Volume: 6 Issue: 1 , 33 - 44 , 28.02.2026
https://doi.org/10.52995/jass.1766305
https://izlik.org/JA67YN34XY

Abstract

Havacılık sektörü, katı uluslararası ve ulusal düzenlemelerle yüksek güvenlik standartlarına sahip olsa da her türlü kazanın önüne geçebilmek mümkün değildir. Meydana gelen kazaların nedenlerinin belirlenmesi ve benzer olayların tekrarını önlemek amacıyla gerçekleştirilen incelemelerde, uçuş kayıt cihazları (yaygın adıyla kara kutular) temel rol oynamaktadır. Bu cihazlar, uçuşa ilişkin önemli veriler ile kokpitteki konuşmaları kaydederek, kaza araştırmaları için kritik bilgiler sunmaktadır. Ancak geleneksel uçuş kayıt cihazları, ICAO’nun Şikago Konvansiyonu'nun Ek 13’ünde öngörüldüğü üzere, verilerin fiziksel olarak kurtarılmasına bağımlıdır. Bu durum, özellikle ulaşılması zor bölgelerde gerçekleşen kazalarda, veri kurtarma sürecinin uzamasına yol açabilmektedir. Son yıllarda havacılık alanında yaşanan teknolojik gelişmeler, uçuş verilerinin eş zamanlı olarak uydu vasıtasıyla yer istasyonlarına aktarılmasını ya da uzaktan erişilebilir sistemlerde depolanmasını potansiyel olarak mümkün kılmaktadır. Bu yenilikler, kaza sonrası fiziksel veri kurtarma gerekliliğini önemli ölçüde azaltmakta ve kaza inceleme süreçlerinin daha hızlı ve verimli yürütülmesini vaat etmektedir. Buna karşılık, söz konusu teknolojiler, verilerin korunması, mahremiyet, yetki karmaşası ve hukuki sorumluluk gibi birçok yeni problemi gündeme getirmektedir. Bu makalede, uluslararası havacılık hukukunun, özellikle Ek 13'te yer alan mevcut düzenlemelerin söz konusu teknolojik yeniliklere uyumu incelenmekte ve potansiyel uyumsuzluklara karşı öneriler sunulmaktadır.

References

  • Regulation (EU) 2016/679. General Data Protection Regulation. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj
  • Ayeni, B. K., & Yisah, S. O. (2016). Cloud based architecture solution for aircraft flight data recorder. British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 13(2), 1-13. doi: 10.9734/bjast/2016/19896
  • Bland, A. (2015, March 28). Germanwings flight 4U9525: what’s it like to listen to a black box recording? Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/28/germanwings-4u9525-whats-it-like-to-listen-to-black-box-recording
  • Bouscary, L., Dunat, J.-C., & Gaye, A. (2011). THAUMAS: Study on Swift Broadband Improvement for Compliance with SESAR Requirements. In G. Giambene, & C. Sacchi, Personal Satellite Services (pp. 50-59). Berlin: Springer.
  • Button, K. (2019, September 2). Ending the frantic searches. Retrieved from Aerospace America: https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/ending-the-frantic-searches/
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  • Cocklin, J. T. (2004). Swissair 111 human factors: checklists and cockpit communication. Journal of Air Transportation, 9(3), 19-42.
  • Donnelly, C. (2023, June 16). CGI to develop virtual, cloud-hosted ‘black box’ recorder technology for aircraft. Retrieved from Computer Weekly: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366541957/CGI-to-develop-virtual-cloud-hosted-black-box-recorder-technology-for-aircraft
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  • George, A., & George, A. (2022). Potential risk: Hosting cloud services outside the Country. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, 5-11. doi: 10.17148/IJARCCE.2022.11402
  • Hon, K. W., Hörnle, J., & Millard, C. (2012). Data protection jurisdiction and cloud computing – when are cloud users and providers subject to EU data protection law? The cloud of unknowing. International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, 26(2-3), Article 84/2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1924240
  • ICAO. (1944, December 7). Convention on International Civil Aviation. Retrieved from United Nations Treaty Collection: https://treaties.un.org/Pages/showDetails.aspx?objid=0800000280163d69&clang=_en
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  • ICAO. (2022). Annex 6 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation: Operation of Aircraft. ICAO.
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  • Ilčev, S. D. (2020). Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety Systems (GADSS): Theory and Applications. Cham: Springer.
  • Kavi, K. M. (2010). Beyond the Black Box. IEEE Spectrum, 46-51.
  • Kuner, C. (2023). Protecting EU data outside EU borders under the GDPR. Common Market Law Review, 60(1), 77-106.
  • McNutt, M. (2014). The hunt for MH370. Science, 344(6187), 947.
  • Park, D. B., Li, X., Shahhosseini, M. A., & Tsay, L.-S. (2021). Data ownership in cloud: legal issues. International Journal of Forensic Engineering and Management, 1(2), 125-148. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJFEM.2021.120174
  • Roy, A. (2001). Secure aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS). 20th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, (pp. 7A2/1-7A2/11). Daytona Beach.
  • Sampson, B. (2018, September 6). Flight tests prove ‘black-box-in-the-cloud’ technology can help locate missing aircraft. Retrieved from Aerospace Testing International: https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/telemetry-communications/flight-tests-prove-black-box-in-the-cloud-technology-can-help-locate-missing-aircraft.html
  • Stone, L. D., Keller, C. M., Kratzke, T. M., & Strumpfer, J. P. (2014). Search for the wreckage of Air France flight AF447. Statistical Science, 29(1), 69-80.
  • Suguna, S., & Suhasini, A. (2014). Overview of data backup and disaster recovery in cloud. International Conference on Information Communication and Embedded Systems (ICICES2014), (pp. 1-7). Chennai.
  • Verma, M. (2024). The crucial role of flight data recorders in modern aviation. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD), 8(3), 459-467.
  • Vidović, A., Franjić, A., Štimac, I., & Ban, M. O. (2022). The importance of flight recorders in the aircraft accident. Transportation Research Procedia, 64, 183-190.
  • Voigt, P., & von dem Bussche, A. (2017). The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cham: Springer. Wiseman, Y. (2016). Can flight data recorder memory be stored on the cloud?. Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering, 6(1), 16-24.
  • Zeigler, A. D., & Rojas, E. F. (2016). Preserving Electronic Evidence for Trial: A Team Approach to the Litigation Hold, Data Collection, and Evidence Preservation. Cambridge: Syngress.

Cloud is the new black box? Digitalisation of flight records and the legal limits of Annex 13

Year 2026, Volume: 6 Issue: 1 , 33 - 44 , 28.02.2026
https://doi.org/10.52995/jass.1766305
https://izlik.org/JA67YN34XY

Abstract

The aviation industry has high safety standards with strict international and domestic regulations, but it's not always possible to prevent every accident. In investigations conducted to determine the causes of accidents and prevent similar incidents from recurring, flight recorders (commonly known as black boxes) play a fundamental role. These devices record important flight data and cockpit conversations, providing critical information for accident investigations. However, traditional flight recorders rely on the physical recovery of data, as stipulated in Annex 13 of the ICAO Chicago Convention. This may lead to delays in the data recovery process, especially in accidents that occur in hard-to-reach areas. Technological developments in aviation in recent years have made it potentially possible to transfer flight data to ground stations in real time via satellite or to store it in remotely accessible systems. These innovations significantly reduce the need for physical data recovery after an accident and promise faster and more efficient accident investigation processes. However, these technologies also raise numerous new issues, including data protection, privacy, jurisdictional conflicts, and legal liability. This article examines the compatibility of international aviation law, particularly the existing regulations outlined in Annex 13, with these technological innovations and offers recommendations to address potential incompatibilities.

Ethical Statement

This article meets the standards of research and publication ethics.

References

  • Regulation (EU) 2016/679. General Data Protection Regulation. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj
  • Ayeni, B. K., & Yisah, S. O. (2016). Cloud based architecture solution for aircraft flight data recorder. British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 13(2), 1-13. doi: 10.9734/bjast/2016/19896
  • Bland, A. (2015, March 28). Germanwings flight 4U9525: what’s it like to listen to a black box recording? Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/28/germanwings-4u9525-whats-it-like-to-listen-to-black-box-recording
  • Bouscary, L., Dunat, J.-C., & Gaye, A. (2011). THAUMAS: Study on Swift Broadband Improvement for Compliance with SESAR Requirements. In G. Giambene, & C. Sacchi, Personal Satellite Services (pp. 50-59). Berlin: Springer.
  • Button, K. (2019, September 2). Ending the frantic searches. Retrieved from Aerospace America: https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/ending-the-frantic-searches/
  • Chaudhary, S., Singh, A. P., & Sharma, D. (2022). A broad perspective on cloud integrated flight data recorder. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology, 21(1), 107-120.
  • Cocklin, J. T. (2004). Swissair 111 human factors: checklists and cockpit communication. Journal of Air Transportation, 9(3), 19-42.
  • Donnelly, C. (2023, June 16). CGI to develop virtual, cloud-hosted ‘black box’ recorder technology for aircraft. Retrieved from Computer Weekly: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366541957/CGI-to-develop-virtual-cloud-hosted-black-box-recorder-technology-for-aircraft
  • Dub, M., & Parizek, J. (2018). Evolution of flight data recorders. Advances in Military Technology, 13(1), 95-106.
  • George, A., & George, A. (2022). Potential risk: Hosting cloud services outside the Country. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, 5-11. doi: 10.17148/IJARCCE.2022.11402
  • Hon, K. W., Hörnle, J., & Millard, C. (2012). Data protection jurisdiction and cloud computing – when are cloud users and providers subject to EU data protection law? The cloud of unknowing. International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, 26(2-3), Article 84/2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1924240
  • ICAO. (1944, December 7). Convention on International Civil Aviation. Retrieved from United Nations Treaty Collection: https://treaties.un.org/Pages/showDetails.aspx?objid=0800000280163d69&clang=_en
  • ICAO. (2016). Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation: Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation.
  • ICAO. (2022). Annex 6 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation: Operation of Aircraft. ICAO.
  • IFALPA & ECA. (2022, May 5). Streaming of Flight Data Position Paper. Retrieved from IFALPA: https://www.ifalpa.org/publications/library/streaming-of-flight-data--3607
  • Ilčev, S. D. (2020). Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety Systems (GADSS): Theory and Applications. Cham: Springer.
  • Kavi, K. M. (2010). Beyond the Black Box. IEEE Spectrum, 46-51.
  • Kuner, C. (2023). Protecting EU data outside EU borders under the GDPR. Common Market Law Review, 60(1), 77-106.
  • McNutt, M. (2014). The hunt for MH370. Science, 344(6187), 947.
  • Park, D. B., Li, X., Shahhosseini, M. A., & Tsay, L.-S. (2021). Data ownership in cloud: legal issues. International Journal of Forensic Engineering and Management, 1(2), 125-148. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJFEM.2021.120174
  • Roy, A. (2001). Secure aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS). 20th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, (pp. 7A2/1-7A2/11). Daytona Beach.
  • Sampson, B. (2018, September 6). Flight tests prove ‘black-box-in-the-cloud’ technology can help locate missing aircraft. Retrieved from Aerospace Testing International: https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/telemetry-communications/flight-tests-prove-black-box-in-the-cloud-technology-can-help-locate-missing-aircraft.html
  • Stone, L. D., Keller, C. M., Kratzke, T. M., & Strumpfer, J. P. (2014). Search for the wreckage of Air France flight AF447. Statistical Science, 29(1), 69-80.
  • Suguna, S., & Suhasini, A. (2014). Overview of data backup and disaster recovery in cloud. International Conference on Information Communication and Embedded Systems (ICICES2014), (pp. 1-7). Chennai.
  • Verma, M. (2024). The crucial role of flight data recorders in modern aviation. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD), 8(3), 459-467.
  • Vidović, A., Franjić, A., Štimac, I., & Ban, M. O. (2022). The importance of flight recorders in the aircraft accident. Transportation Research Procedia, 64, 183-190.
  • Voigt, P., & von dem Bussche, A. (2017). The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cham: Springer. Wiseman, Y. (2016). Can flight data recorder memory be stored on the cloud?. Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering, 6(1), 16-24.
  • Zeigler, A. D., & Rojas, E. F. (2016). Preserving Electronic Evidence for Trial: A Team Approach to the Litigation Hold, Data Collection, and Evidence Preservation. Cambridge: Syngress.
There are 28 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Space, Maritime and Aviation Law
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Ayşenur Zeynep Özmen 0000-0001-7609-8487

Submission Date August 15, 2025
Acceptance Date December 27, 2025
Publication Date February 28, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.52995/jass.1766305
IZ https://izlik.org/JA67YN34XY
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 6 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Özmen, A. Z. (2026). Cloud is the new black box? Digitalisation of flight records and the legal limits of Annex 13. Havacılık Ve Uzay Çalışmaları Dergisi, 6(1), 33-44. https://doi.org/10.52995/jass.1766305