FDRs and CVRs

Question 1

What type of CVR/FDR is most common today?

Answer 1

Magnetic tape, however these are slowly being phased out by solid state devices which are more reliable in crashes.

Question 2

How many minutes worth of CVR tape is recorded before being overwritten?

Answer 2

30 minutes.

Question 3

New legal requirements mandate that CVRs should record ….. amount of data

Answer 3

120 minutes

Question 4

How much data should a FDR store?

Answer 4

25hrs worth

Question 5

Where should recorders be placed and why?

Answer 5

Rear of the aircraft, most likely to survive a crash.

Question 6

How much G force must a recorder be able to withstand?

Answer 6

3400G!!!

Question 7

what temperature must a recorder be able to withstand?

Answer 7

260°C for 10 hours

Question 8

what water conditions must a recorder be able to withstand?

Answer 8

20,000ft submerged for 30 days in salt water

Question 9

What does CASA mandate in regards to when a CVR must be recording?

Answer 9

Start of first checklist, end of last checklist, with final 30 minutes on record.

Question 10

What does CASA mandate in regards to when a FDr must be recording?

Answer 10

When the aircraft first starts moving on it’s own accord, to when it comes to a stop. 25hrs worth.

Question 11

How are recorders located in the event of a crash?

Answer 11

Firstly, they are orange (not black), and they must be capable of emitting a sonar ping every second for 30 days.