Flight recorders are designed to continuously record various parameters and data related to the aircraft's flight, such as speed, altitude, heading, and engine performance. Some advanced flight recorders also capture additional information, such as control surface positions, system statuses, and crew conversations in the cockpit.
The data recorded by flight recorders is extremely valuable for accident investigators. It provides a detailed account of the aircraft's flight history and the actions of the crew, helping them to determine the sequence of events leading to an incident or accident. This information is essential for identifying potential causes and making recommendations to improve aviation safety.
Here's a brief explanation of how black boxes work:
Flight Data Recorder (FDR)
- The FDR is responsible for recording aircraft performance parameters.
- It continuously collects data from various aircraft sensors and stores them on a crash-resistant recorder.
- Data recorded by the FDR can include altitude, airspeed, heading, vertical acceleration, and more.
- The FDR has a high sampling rate, ensuring accurate and detailed data capture.
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
- The CVR is designed to record audio conversations in the cockpit.
- It captures voices from microphones near the pilot and co-pilot seats, as well as communication sounds like radio exchanges.
- The CVR operates continuously, with a limited duration of recordings (usually between 2 and 30 minutes) before overwriting older data.
Black boxes are mounted in specific locations within the aircraft to withstand extreme conditions, including impact, fire, and water submersion. They are designed to survive the force of a crash and continue to record data, providing crucial information for accident investigators and contributing to the overall safety of air travel.
