US FAA last week mandated "significant upgrades" to aircraft cockpit voice and flight data recorders. All voice recorders in aircraft carrying more than 10 people must capture the last 2 hr. of cockpit audio instead of the current 15-30 min. New rule also requires an independent backup power source for voice recorders to allow continued recording for 9-11 min. if all power sources are lost or interrupted. "Voice recorders also must use solid state technology instead of magnetic tape, which is vulnerable to damage and loss of reliability," FAA said.
New rule further mandates that FDRs measure more frequently, including primary flight control movements and pilots' movement of controls. The recorders also must retain the last 25 hr. of recorded information. It formalizes current FAA policy that voice and data recorders must be housed in separate units and cannot be disabled by a single electrical failure. Rule applies to all aircraft manufactured after March 7, 2010, and calls for retrofitting of some equipment on prior-built aircraft by March 7, 2012.
ATWOnline
New rule further mandates that FDRs measure more frequently, including primary flight control movements and pilots' movement of controls. The recorders also must retain the last 25 hr. of recorded information. It formalizes current FAA policy that voice and data recorders must be housed in separate units and cannot be disabled by a single electrical failure. Rule applies to all aircraft manufactured after March 7, 2010, and calls for retrofitting of some equipment on prior-built aircraft by March 7, 2012.
ATWOnline