Safety Topics: Part 1 — Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Recorders Available to Purchase

EXTENSIVE proposals recently issued by the FAA require installation of digital flight data recorders with specific parameters and/or cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) in a broad category of fixed and rotating wing aircraft. To be so equipped are aircraft operated by air carriers or commuters and in addition, certain selected smaller types operated in general aviation. Over the last few years a number of significant events have occurred that have necessitated the reconsideration of requirements. The NTSB considers that although recent rules have eliminated foil‐type flight recorders, concern is still felt about the adequacy of certain minimum standards. There is an urgent need to update the mandatory parameter list and to define new parameters, improved accuracies, range and sampling intervals.