Washington, DC, February - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finalized a significant safety enhancement requiring cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) on newly manufactured aircraft to retain at least 25 hours of audio recordings, up from the previous two-hour standard. This rule, published in early 2026 following a proposal issued in 2023, aligns U.S. regulations with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Cockpit voice recorders capture critical audio data, including pilot conversations, radio communications, and ambient cockpit sounds, which are essential for accident investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The extended duration ensures more comprehensive data preservation, reducing the risk of overwriting important information during long flights or delayed recovery efforts.
The change stems from longstanding NTSB recommendations and lessons from past incidents where overwritten CVR data limited investigative insights. Current two-hour loops, implemented in 2008 after an earlier 30-minute requirement, often prove insufficient for multi-leg operations or events spanning extended periods. By mandating compliance with Technical Standard Order TSO-C123c or later revisions, the FAA ensures modern, reliable technology capable of storing 25 hours of high-quality recordings. For aircraft manufactured on or after May 16, 2025, operators under certain parts of FAA regulations cannot fly without this capability, with phased implementation timelines addressing different aircraft categories and sizes.
While the rule primarily targets new aircraft production, with full application for larger commercial planes starting in 2027 and adjusted deadlines for smaller operators, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 separately mandates retrofitting existing passenger aircraft with 25-hour CVRs by 2030. This dual approach accelerates safety improvements across the U.S. commercial fleet without immediate widespread disruptions. Airlines and manufacturers can upgrade through straightforward equipment swaps, minimizing operational impacts while enhancing overall aviation safety.
This FAA cockpit voice recorder update represents a proactive step in accident prevention and investigation effectiveness. By preserving far more contextual audio, investigators gain a better understanding of human factors, procedural adherence, and system interactions leading to incidents. The transition to 25-hour CVR retention strengthens global harmonization of flight data standards, ultimately contributing to safer skies for passengers and crew through continuous learning from recorded information.