WILJAM FLIGHT TRAINING

Chapter 7.7
Recording Devices
Introduction
Recording devices are installed in aeroplanes as part of the never-ending quest to prevent
accidents, since no transport system has a 100% safety record. The two root causes of all
incidents and accidents are:

mechanical failure

human error

If an aeroplane incident or accident occurs it is important to establish whether the cause was
the result of mechanical or human failure, or even a combination of both.
The investigation of a mechanical failure is made easier if a complete record of the behaviour of
every mechanical/ structural component is available right up to the instant of the occurrence.
To facilitate this extensive pre-flight and maintenance documentation for aeroplane is retained
on the ground. A complete record of the flight crew actions prior to flight is also maintained,
together with any relevant certification and training certificates, since this may also provide
invaluable information into the cause of the event.
To enhance the recording system certain aeroplanes are required to carry a Flight Data
Recorder (FDR) and a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The FDR is designed to record
mechanical features; whilst the CVR is designed to record all voice communications with, and
on the flight deck. It is also a requirement for the flight crew and ATC to keep in-flight records
although, in the event of an accident, the on-board documentary records could be destroyed.
Flight Data Recorder (FDR) Requirements
In accordance with JAR-OPS commercial transport category aeroplanes with a Certificate of
Airworthiness (C of A) first issued on or after 1st April 1998, with more than 9 passenger seats,
and a maximum take-off mass over 5700kg, should not be flown in a JAA Member State or
elsewhere unless it is equipped with a FDR. This device must also use a digital method of
recording and storing data, and be equipped with a method of readily retrieving that data from
the storage medium.
The parameters to be recorded may also vary according to the maximum certificated take-off
mass and age of the aeroplane, as specified in JAR-OPS 1 Section K.
For aeroplanes required to carry an FDR the following data must be recorded against a
common time scale:

altitude

airspeed

heading

acceleration

pitch and roll attitude

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radio transmission keying, unless an alternative means is provided to enable the

FDR and CVR recordings to be synchronised

thrust or power on each engine

configuration of lift and drag devices

air temperature

use of Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS)

angle of attack

For those aeroplanes with a maximum certified take-off mass over 27000Kg the following
additional parameters must also be recorded:

positions of the primary flight controls and pitch trim

radio altitude

primary navigation information being displayed to the flight crew

cockpit warnings

landing gear position

The FDR should furthermore:

be capable of retaining the data recorded during at least the last 25 hours (10 hours
for aeroplanes of 5700 kg. or less) of its operation.

be able to obtain accurate data correlation (matching) with information displayed, or

presented to the flight crew from aeroplane sources.

must automatically start to record the data prior to the aeroplane being capable of
moving under its own power, and must also automatically stop after the aeroplane
is incapable of moving under its own power.

be fitted with a device to assist in locating the recorder in water.

On some modern aeroplanes a large number of the parameters are taken from the aeroplanes
integrated data source, and on some FDR models certain parameters can also be transmitted at
regular intervals through a data link with a ground station.
If the FDR is unserviceable the flight may still be conducted, as listed in JAR-OPS 1, if:

It is not reasonably practicable to repair or replace the unit before the

commencement of the flight.

the aeroplane does not exceed 8 further consecutive flights with the FDR
unserviceable.

not more than 72 hours have elapsed since the FDR was first reported
unserviceable.

any CVR required to be carried is operative, unless it is combined with the FDR.

FDR Design
The FDR is powered from the aeroplanes 24V DC or vital DC busbar and is contained in a
shockproof yellow or orange box, as shown below.

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The box is fitted at the rear of the aeroplane, normally behind the rear pressure bulkhead, and
must be capable of sustaining extremely high impact forces. The box must also be fireproof
and completely waterproof. The box is additionally fitted with an underwater locator (pinger) or
small beacon transmitter, which will enable it to be located in deep water, and it is also designed
to survive crash conditions. The transmitter has a self-contained power supply and is designed
to commence operation as soon as it enters water. The transmitter can operate continuously
for 30 days, and has a range of 23 miles.
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Requirements
In accordance with JAR-OPS commercial transport category aeroplanes with a Certificate of
Airworthiness (C of A) first issued on or after 1st April 1998, with more than 9 passenger seats,
and a maximum take-off mass over 5700kg should not be flown in a JAA Member State or
elsewhere unless it is equipped with a CVR.
The CVR must be capable of recording, with reference to a common time scale:

voice communications transmitted from or received on the flight deck by radio.

the aural environment of the flight deck, including without interruption, the audio
signals received from each boom or mask microphone in use.

voice communications of flight crew members on the flight deck using the
aeroplanes interphone system and public address system.

voice or audio signals identifying navigation or approach aids introduced into a

headset or speaker.

The CVR should furthermore:

be capable of retaining the data recorded during at least the last 2 hours (30
minutes for aeroplanes of 5700 kg. or less) of its operation.

must automatically start to record the data prior to the aeroplane being capable of
moving under its own power, and must also automatically stop after the aeroplane
is incapable of moving under its own power. In addition, depending on the
availability of electrical power the recorder must start to record as early as possible
during the cockpit checks prior to engine start at the beginning of the flight, until
cockpit checks immediately following engine shutdown at the end of the flight.

be fitted with a device to assist in locating the recorder in deep water.

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If the CVR is unserviceable the flight may still be conducted, as listed in JAR-OPS 1, if:

it is not reasonably practicable to repair or replace the unit before the

commencement of the flight.

the aeroplane does not exceed 8 further consecutive flights with the CVR
unserviceable.

not more than 72 hours have elapsed since the CVR was first reported
unserviceable.

any FDR required to be carried is operative, unless it is combined with a CVR.

CVR Design
The CVR is powered from the 24V DC or vital DC busbar, and like the FDR is located in a box
at the rear of the aeroplane. The box is orange or yellow in colour, and must also be impact
resistant, shockproof, fireproof and waterproof. Additionally in aeroplanes over 5700Kg, the
CVR must be a separate unit from the FDR.

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