The FAA is proposing to increase the minimum recording time of cockpit voice recorders (CVR) from the currently mandated 2 hours to 25 hours on certain new-production aircraft. It would be effective one year after the final rule is issued. Comments on the proposal are due Feb. 2, 2024.
Notably, the proposed rule would not expand CVR applicability in the general aviation fleet, continuing instead to apply only to aircraft currently required to have a CVR. Under Part 91, this means multi-engine, turbine-powered aircraft with 10 or more passenger seats manufactured on or after Oct. 11, 1991. Under Part 135, this encompasses multi-engine, turbine-powered aircraft with six or more passenger seats manufactured on or after April 7, 2010.
Since 2018, the NTSB has repeatedly recommended that the FAA increase the mandatory recording time to 25 hours. The Safety Board has also recommended to the FAA on numerous occasions to extend CVR applicability to other general aviation aircraft. The FAA proposal does not address the latter recommendation.
Due to EASA requirements and ICAO standards for 25-hour CVR capability that took effect in 2021, “market research shows that [CVR] manufacturers already have developed 25-hour compliant variants that meet FAA TSO–C123 compliance,” the FAA said. “Therefore, the proposed regulation is not expected to result in new or significant impacts on CVR manufacturers.”