New FAA Rule Requires 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorders on All New Aircraft

The FAA has finalized a significant new safety rule. It increases cockpit voice recorder (CVR) requirements. New aircraft must now record 25 hours of audio. This replaces the previous two-hour recording mandate.

Strengthening Accident Investigations

The NTSB has requested this for years. Short recording times often hinder safety probes. Investigators frequently lose data from the flight start. This happens when recorders overwrite old audio.

A 25-hour window captures the entire flight. It even captures multiple flights in one day. This helps experts see the full picture. They can better understand pilot actions and errors. More data leads to safer skies for all.

Global Regulatory Alignment

This rule brings the US in line with others. The EASA already requires 25-hour recorders. International standards are moving toward longer data storage. This helps manufacturers like Boeing streamline production.

Building planes for a single standard is easier. It reduces costs for global aircraft manufacturers. It also ensures a high safety level worldwide. Consistency across borders improves aviation safety.

Impact on the Aviation Industry

The rule applies to newly manufactured planes. It does not require retrofitting older aircraft. This saves airlines from high immediate costs. However, it ensures future fleets are better equipped.

• Mandates 25-hour recording for new aircraft.
• Aligns FAA rules with international EASA standards.
• Helps investigators solve complex safety incidents.
• Reduces data loss during long-haul flight probes.

Aviation safety depends on accurate data. This rule is a major step forward. It gives investigators the tools they need. It ensures lessons are learned from every incident.

Visit flying.flights for the latest commercial aviation news and airline industry updates. Stay informed on aviation incidents, investigations, and best practices in the Safety category at flying.flights/safety.