Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder Regulations
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Comment filed on proposed rule and continue
12/05/2025
06/30/2025
In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is not approved at this time. Prior to publication of a final rule, the agency should provide to OMB a summary of all comments received on the proposed information collection and identify any changes made in response to these comments.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2027
36 Months From Approved
05/31/2027
30,075
0
30,075
810,300
0
810,300
0
0
0
This collection encompasses mandatory requirements to collect and retain (recordkeeping requirement), and to report (reporting requirement), flight data and cockpit voice data using a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Respondents to the collection include operators of aircraft for which the operating requirements of parts 91, 121, 125, 129, or 135 require the aircraft to have and use a CVR or FDR.
Respondents to this collection must keep FDR and CVR data for specified timeframes. The FDR and CVR continuously record data during aircraft operation, which is stored and continuously overwritten by new data, while retaining the last 2 hours (CVR) (if the aircraft was manufactured prior to the effective dates in the new rule), 25 hours (CVR) (if the aircraft was manufactured after the effective dates in the new rule), or 25 hours (FDR) of recorded data.
Respondents to this collection must report/provide the collected data to the NTSB on an as-needed basis (i.e., after an aircraft has been involved in a reportable accident or incident), or the FAA and/or NTSB may request that the data is stored (off aircraft) until the investigation can be conducted.
Use: The collection of information includes both reporting and recordkeeping of information. The data collected by an FDR or CVR is received and used by the NTSB for accident and incident investigation. Following an accident, the FDR and CVR are immediately removed from the accident site and transported to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C. for processing. Using sophisticated computer and audio equipment, the information stored on the recorders is extracted and translated into an understandable format. Depending on the severity of an aircraft incident, the NTSB may request the FDR and/or CVR data for an aircraft directly from the aircraft owner or operator.
Respondents: Respondents to the collection include operators of aircraft for which the operating requirements of parts 91, 121, 125, 129, or 135 require the aircraft to have and use a CVR and/or FDR. The FAA estimates that 23,273 aircraft must have and use a CVR and/or FDR; 4,744 of those aircraft will be required to collect 25 hours of CVR data as a result of this final rule.
Frequency:
For each aircraft required to have an CVR and/or FDR, the FDR and CVR continuously record data, which is stored and continuously overwritten by new data, while retaining the last 2 hours (CVR) (if the aircraft was manufactured prior to the effective dates in this final rule), 25 hours (CVR) (if the aircraft was manufactured after the effective dates in this final rule), or 25 hours (FDR) of recorded data. Additionally, on an as-needed basis, operators of aircraft must report CVR and/or FDR data to the NTSB (i.e., after an aircraft has been involved in a reportable accident or incident).
The FAA initiated a rulemaking that would increase the recording time of cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) from the mandated 2 hours to a proposed 25-hour recording time for all future manufactured aircraft that are required to have a CVR installed. This rulemaking will provide accident investigators, aircraft operators, and civil aviation authorities with substantially more CVR data to help find the probable causes of incidents and accidents and use the information to prevent future incidents and accidents.
An NPRM was published on December 4, 2023. Once the final rule is published (see Federal Register Docket No. FAA-2023-2270), the 25-hour CVR data collection requirement will apply to newly manufactured aircraft (that are required to have a CVR installed) after May 16, 2025, for aircraft with a MCTOW of 59,525 lbs./27,000 kg, 30 or more passenger seats, or operating in Part 121. Newly manufactured aircraft operating in Parts 91, 125, and 135 with a MCTOW of 59,524 lbs./26,999 kg and less than 30 passenger seats have three years to comply with the new rule.
Additionally, the name of this IC is revised from âRevisions to Cockpit Voice Recorder and Digital Flight Data Recorder Regulationsâ to âCockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder Regulationsâ.
Changes from previously reported burden are due to:
⢠Revised CVR data collection hours from 2 hours to 25 hours under rulemaking â25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Requirement, New Aircraft Production (refer to Federal Register Docket No. FAA-2023-2270 for Final Rule)
⢠Revised wage estimates for reporting CVR and flight data recorder (FDR) data
⢠Revised fleet estimates to reflect the aircraft fleet that must collect 2 hours of CVR data versus 25 hours of CVR data. Revised fleet estimates are lower than previously approved estimates resulting in lower estimated burden.
⢠Under the CVR rulemaking, 1,585 aircraft in the fleet will be required to collect an additional 23 hours of CVR data (in addition to the 2 hours that were already required). However, the net result due to the adjustment of the fleet size estimate results in a decreased information collection burden than what was previously estimated and approved.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
SSA_2120-0700 Final Rule.docx
49 USC 44701.pdf
CVR/FDR Data Collection (25hrs/25hrs)