Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder Regulations

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. Collection frequency is as follows: Recordkeeping - Continuous •The FDR and CVR continuously record data, which is stored and continuously overwritten by new data, while retaining the last 2 hours (CVR) or 25 hours (FDR) of recorded data. Reporting – As-needed •The data is reported/provided to the FAA and/or NTSB on an as-needed basis (i.e., after an aircraft has been involved in a reportable accident or incident), or •The data is stored (off aircraft), upon request by the FAA and/or NTSB, until the investigation can be conducted. Use of Information Collected: The data collected by an FDR or CVR is received and used by the NTSB and/or FAA 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 FAA or NTSB may request the FDR and/or CVR data for an aircraft directly from the aircraft owner or operator.

The latest form for Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder Regulations expires 2027-05-31 and can be found here.

Revisions to Cockpit Voice Recorder and Digital Flight Data Recorder Regulations

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Transportation - Air Transportation