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3.2.3.1 Operational Self-Test. Prior to the first flight of the day, flightcrew members should activate and monitor the recorder system self-test or built-in-test function.
3.2.3.2 Operational Check. The operational check typically verifies that there are no CVR system fault indications. A comprehensive self-test and automatic fault report may be accomplished in lieu of an Operational Self-Test.
3.2.3.3 System Functional Check. This check includes but is not limited to verification of backup power performance, automatic termination, fault indication operation, and intelligibility of audio recordings from all sources.
Pursuant to § 23.1457, § 25.1457, § 27.1457, or § 29.1457, sources can include:
1. Voice communications transmitted from or received in the airplane or rotorcraft by radio.
2. Voice communications of flight crewmembers on the flight deck.
3. Voice communications of flight crewmembers on the flight deck using the airplane or rotorcraft interphone system.
4. Voice or audio signals identifying navigation or approach aids introduced into a headset or speaker.
5. Voice communications of flight crewmembers using the passenger loudspeaker system, and the fourth channel, if installed.
3.2.3.4 Replay and Analysis. Replay and analysis of audio recordings should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. In the absence of specific instruction, the following procedures can be followed:
3.2.3.4.1 Intelligibility of all recorded channels should be checked during all phases of flight (such as taxi, takeoff, cruise, and landing). Ensure that audio signals from alerting or warning devices on the flight deck, both fully integrated with the aircraft audio system and nonintegrated, can be heard. CVR system audio playback should be intelligible and undistorted on each channel. Ideally, maintenance personnel should perform audio quality tests with engines running to verify background noise, such as a 400 hertz (Hz) hum, is not degrading recording quality. If the system cannot be adequately checked on the aircraft, it should be removed and a portion of the recording (preferably from a flight portion) should be checked.
3.2.3.4.2 The replay facility should determine adequacy of the quality of the recording on all channels. Information recorded on each channel, such as voice, warning, and alerts, should be identifiable. In addition to subjective listening tests, proper signal recording level should be confirmed (i.e., the recording level is not too quiet, too loud, or signal clipping is noted).
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3.2.3.4.3 Recording should be played back in an area where the privacy and confidentiality of the recorded voices are assured.
3.2.3.4.4 Dedicated tools to visualize the audio signal (e.g., over time, frequency domain, energy levels, etc.) may be employed to check if a part of the recording seems affected by an audio anomaly.
3.2.4 Underwater Locator Device (ULD) Subsystem Inspection.
3.2.4.1 Pursuant to § 23.1529, § 25.1529, § 27.1529, or § 29.1529, periodically inspect the ULD and the ULD battery in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. In the absence of the manufacturer’s instructions, the ULD and ULD battery should be inspected at least every 24 months pursuant to ICAO Annex 6, Part I, Section 6.3.5.3 and Appendix 8, Section 7.2. The inspection interval can be changed in accordance with the operator’s reliability program.
3.2.4.2 The replacement period of the ULD battery should be consistent with the battery life limit determined by the manufacturer.
3.2.4.3 If the ULD battery is not accessible, the instructions should provide for replacement of the ULD itself. Historically, ULD batteries have been nonrechargeable and replaced at a specific time interval. If the battery or parts must be replaced, discard the batteries following manufacturer and local procedures.
3.2.5 Data Link Recorders (DLR). Pursuant to §§ 23.1457(a)(6), 25.1457(a)(6), 27.1457(a)(6),
29.1457(a)(6), 91.609(j), 121.359(k), 125.227(i), 129.24, and 135.151(h), data link communication (DLC) is not required on any aircraft. However, certain operating rules prescribe recording requirements if DLRs are installed. If DLC compatibility is installed, then periodically inspect the DLC in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. In the absence of the manufacturer’s instructions, the DLR should be inspected at least every 24 months pursuant to ICAO Annex 6, Part I, Section 6.3.5.3 and Appendix 8, Section 7.2. The inspection interval can be changed in accordance with the operator’s reliability program.
3.2.6 Retention of Data. Pursuant to § 91.609(g), following an accident or occurrence requiring immediate notification of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), recorded information must be retained for a minimum of 60 days or, if requested by the Administrator or the Board, for a longer period. This could be accomplished by inclusion in flightcrew checklists or company standard operating/emergency procedures and simply removing recorder power.
3.3 Configuration Control. CVR recording medium is not interchanged between aircraft without close supervision. Operators’ programs should include a requirement to erase stored data before installing a serviceable and previously used unit. Erasure of data should be included in any post-installation functional check.
3-4 Note: Data may need to be retained for up to 60 days or longer, if requested, following an accident or occurrence pursuant to § 91.609(g).
3.4 ICA. The operator must either follow the manufacturer’s provided ICAs as part of your maintenance program or develop your own. The ICA must identify all requirements that would have been established at certification and any others subsequently identified by the FAA, such as those applicable under an Airworthiness Directive (AD). Refer to § 23.1529, § 25.1529, § 27.1529, or § 29.1529, as applicable, for more information.
3.5 Storage. While most CVRs and ULDs are shipped and stored using manufacturer instructions, the operator should consider the CVR and the ULD, if attached, in your aircraft storage program. Some ULD batteries may require special temperature control if placed in extended storage while installed on the aircraft.
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND RELATED DOCUMENTS A.1 Definitions.
A.1.1 Applicants. The term “applicant” in this advisory circular (AC) is intended to describe type certificate (TC), amended TC, or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) applicants seeking approval of a required cockpit voice recorder (CVR) system.
A.1.2 Data Link Communication (DLC). A DLC system is defined as the components installed on the aircraft that are necessary to provide the DLC function. The DLC function uses an approved message set, as determined by AC 20-140, Guidelines for Design Approval of Aircraft Data Link Communication Systems Supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS),
(e.g., Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) application hosted in the flight management computer (FMC)), the datalink router (hosted in the Communication Management Unit (CMU)), the radios (e.g., very high frequency (VHF), high frequency (HF) Datalink, Satcom), and related antennas. Future Air Navigation System 1/A (FANS 1/A) and Aeronautical Telecommunications Network Baseline 1 (ATN B1) systems comprise DLC equipment. Refer to AC 20-140 for additional information. If required DLC is installed, it must be recorded on a data link recorder (DLR).
A.1.3 Operators. This AC uses the term “operator” to mean pilot in command (PIC), renter-pilot, operating certificate holder (CH), or air carrier CH. An operator must use an aircraft that complies with the CVR requirements of the applicable part (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, 121, 125, 129, or 135). The FAA has developed a series of flowcharts in Appendix B, Flowcharts, to assist in determining equipment requirements dependent on the applicable operating and aircraft certification rules. When using the charts in Appendix B, the operator should understand the initial certificate of airworthiness (IC of A) date also includes postdelivery equipment installations including a DLC system.
A.2 Acronyms.
14 CFR Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations AC Advisory Circular AD Airworthiness Directive AFM Airplane Flight Manual ATN B1 Aeronautical Telecommunication Network Baseline 1 BITE Built-In Test Equipment CAM Cockpit-Mounted Area Microphone CAMP Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program CB Circuit Breaker CFR Code of Federal Regulations
Appendix A A-2 CH Certificate Holder CMU Communication Management Unit CPDLC Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication CVR Cockpit Voice Recorder DLC Data Link Communication DLR Data Link Recorder ELA Electrical Load Analysis EUROCAE EUROCAE (formerly known as the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment) EWIS Electrical Wiring Interconnection System FAA Federal Aviation Administration FANS 1/A Future Air Navigation System Version 1/A FDR Flight Data Recorder FMC Flight Management Computer FSDO Flight Standards District Office HF High Frequency ICA Instructions for Continued Airworthiness IC of A Initial Certificate of Airworthiness LF-ULD Low Frequency Underwater Locating Device LRU Line Replaceable Unit M/M/S Make, Model, and Series MPS Minimum Performance Standards MRO Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul NTSB National Transportation Safety Board PIC Pilot In Command RFM Rotorcraft Flight Manual RIPS Recorder Independent Power Supply RTCA RTCA (formerly known as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) STC Supplemental Type Certificate TC Type Certificate TSO Technical Standard Order
Appendix A A-3 ULD Underwater Locating Device VHF Very High Frequency W&B Weight and Balance A.2.1 Related Documents.
A.2.1.1 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The following 14 CFR sections can be downloaded from the eCFR website at https://www.ecfr.gov/.
• Part 23, § 23.1457, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 25, § 25.1457, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 27, § 27.1457, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 29, § 29.1457, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 91, § 91.609, Flight Data Recorders and Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 91, § 91.1045, Additional Equipment Requirements.
• Part 121, § 121.359, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 125, § 125.227, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 129, § 129.24, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
• Part 135, § 135.151, Cockpit Voice Recorders.
A.2.1.2 FAA ACs (current editions). A current list of ACs, including the following, can be found on the FAA website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ advisory_circulars/ or in the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov.
• AC 20-140, Guidelines for Design Approval of Aircraft Data Link Communication Systems Supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS).
• AC 20-141, Airworthiness and Operational Approval of Digital Flight Data Recorder Systems.
• AC 20-160, Onboard Recording of Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) in Crash Survivable Memory.
A.2.1.3 FAA Technical Standard Orders (TSO). A current list of TSOs, including the following, can be found in DRS at https://drs.faa.gov.
• TSO-C121b, Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered), dated February 28, 2012.
• TSO-C123c, Cockpit Voice Recorder Equipment, dated December 19, 2013.
Appendix A A-4
• TSO-C155b, Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS), dated April 21, 2015.
• TS O-C177a, Data Link Recorder Equipment, dated December 19, 2013.
A.2.1.4 EUROCAE. Copies of EUROCAE Documents (ED) from EUROCAE can be ordered at 9-23 rue Paul Lafargue, “Le Triangle” building, 93200 Saint-Denis, France, or from their website at https://eshop.eurocae.net/.
• EUROCAE ED-93, Minimum Aviation System Performance Specification for CNS/ATM Message Recording Systems, dated November 1998.
• EUROCAE ED-112A, Minimum Operational Performance Specification for Crash Protected Airborne Recorder Systems, dated September 2013.
• EUROCAE ED-155, Minimum Operational Performance Specification for Lightweight Flight Recording Systems, dated July 2009.
A.2.1.5 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Current copies of the following ICAO documents can be obtained from the ICAO website at https://www.icao.int/publications/Pages/default.aspx.
• Annex 6, Part I, International Commercial Air Transport—Aeroplanes.
• Annex 6, Part II, International General Aviation—Aeroplanes.
• Annex 6, Part III, International Operations—Helicopters.
Appendix B APPENDIX B. FLOWCHARTS Figure B-1. Aircraft by Operating Rules Go to Start Operated under •Yes Figure B-2.
14 CFR part 91?
VO Go to Operated under -Yes- Figure B-3.
14 CFR part 121?
No Go to Operated under -Yes- Figure B-6.
14 CER part 125?
For part 129 operators of Operated under •Yes U.S.-registered aircraft, 14 CFR part 129? the CVR must follow part 121, 125, or 135.' Go to Operated under -Yes- Figure B-7.
14 CFR part 135?
' For part 129 operators of U.S.-registered aircraft operated solely outside of the United States in common carriage by a foreign person or a foreign air carrier, § 129.24 requires that the aircraft be equipped with an approved cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and record the information that would be required if the aircraft were operated under part 121, 125, or 135 and must be installed by the compliance times required by that operating part as applicable to the aircraft (refer to §§ 129.1(b) and 129.24).
B-1
Appendix B Figure B-2. Part 91 From Figure B-1.
Does the aircraft Is the aircraft a meet part 91 subpart K? No→ Does § 91.609 apply? Yes→ multiengine or Noturbine-powered aircraft?
§ 91.1045 $ 91.609(e) Les No Yes CVR not required. 6 or more pax seats?
CVR required. -No- § 91.609(a) $ 91.609(€) CVR required #Yes- Two pilots required? -No- $ 91.609(€) Date of Manufacture before 2010 Apr 7 must have a CVR installed by 2012 Apr 7. No CVR required.
§ 91.609(h) 2-hour CVR recorder required.
§ 91.609(i)(2) Adhere to §$ 23/25/27/29.1457, except for paras (a)(6) and (d)(5).
$ 91.609(i)(1) Part 25 *Aircraft- Aircraft or transport category? rotorcraft?
Rotorcraft No Yes Manufactured on or after Must record and after 2012 Apr 6?
meet § 25.1457(a). Record DLR if installed.
$ 91.609(j) B-2
Appendix B Figure B-3. Part 121 Lg turbine-engine From powered or pressurized airplane Figure B-1. with four recip engines? CVR must —No→ CVR not required.
retain 30 mins recorded info.
§ 121.359(a)' Go to 10-19 passenger seats? -Yes→ Figure B-4.
$ 121.359(d) Go to 20-30 passenger seats -Yes→ Figure B-5.
§ 121.359(e) No CVR required.
Turbine-engine-powered requires 2-hour recorder.
(Includes all cargo operations.)
$ 121.359(i)(2) Manufactured Hot mic required per after 1991 Oct 11? -Yes→ § 121.359(g) § 25.1457(c)(5).
Flight crewmembers required to use boom mic below 18,000 ft MSL.
§ 121.359(g) Manufactured By 2012, must meet after 2010 Apr 6? —No→ §§ 23.1457(d)(6) and
25.1457(a)(3), (4), and (5).
$ 121.359(i) 2-hour recorder required.
Must meet §§ 23/25.1457, Manufactured after 2010 Dec 5.
except para (a)(6). § 121.359(i)(4) 2-hour recorder required. DLR required if installed.
§ 121.3590)(1) and (2) § 121.359(k)
• For aircraft required to comply with part 121, § 121.359, the CVR must retain a minimum of 30 minutes of recorded information after activation of the "Erasure" feature, if installed.
2 This includes all cargo operations.
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Appendix B Figure B-4. Part 121, 10-19 Passenger Seats 10-19 passenger seats.
From $ 121.359(d) Figure B-3. Record for 30 minutes, and be capable of erasure if installed.
§ 121.359(f)' Yes 2-hour CVR installed in 2-hour CVR installed in accordance with § 23.1457(a)(1) Aircraft accordance with § 25.1457(a)(1) and (2); (b); (c); (d)(1)(i), (2), *Part 23• certification -Part 25→ and (2); (b); (c); (d)(I)(i), (2) and (3); (e); (f); and (g). basis? and (3); (e); (f); and (g).
§ 121.359(d)(1) § 121.359(d)(1) Flight crewmembers required to use boom mic below Manufactured Aircraft is large 18,000 ft MSL. after 1991 Oct 11? -Yes turbine powered?
§ 121.359(g) § 121.359(g) § 121.359(a) No Hot mic required. Flight crewmembers required to use boom mic below § 25.1457(c)(5) 18,000 ft MSL.
§ 121.359(g) By 2012, must meet Manufactured after §§ 23.1457(d)(6) and Manufactured
25.1457(a) (3), (4), and (5). after 2010 Apr 06?
2010 Apr 06? 2-hour recorder required. § 121.359(i) § 121.359(i) Yes Must meet §§ 23/25.1457, Yes except para (a)(6).
2-hour recorder required.
§ 121.359(j)(1) and (2) DIR required it installed. On or after Dec 6, 8 121.359(k) ' For aircraft required to comply with § 121.359, the CVR must retain a minimum of 30 minutes of recorded information after activation of the "Erasure" feature, if installed.
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Appendix B Figure B-5. Part 121, 20-30 Passenger Seats 20-30 passenger seats.
From § 121.359 Figure B-3 Record for 30 minutes and be capable of erasure.
§ 121.359(f) Yes accordance with § 23.1457, except 2-hour CVR installed in *Part 23• certification Aircraft -Part 25→ accordance with § 25.1457(a)(6), 2-hour CVR installed in paras (a)(6), (d)(1) (ii), (4), and (5). § 121.359(e)(1) basis? (d)(1)(ii), (4), and (5). § 121.359(€)(1) Flight crewmembers required Manufactured Aircraft is to use boom mic below 18,000 ft MSL. after 1991 Oct 11? • Yes large turbine or has four recip engines?
§ 121.359(g) § 121.359(g) § 121.359(a) es Hot mic required per Flight crewmembers required § 25.1457(c)(5). to use boom mic below 18,000 ft MSL.
§ 121.359(g) By 2012, must meet Manufactured §§ 23.1457(d)(6) and Manufactured No 25.1457(a) (3), (4), and (5).
after 2010 Apr 06? 2-hour recorder required. after 2010 Apr 06?
§ 121.359(1) Yes Must meet §§ 23/25.1457, Yes except para (a)(6).
2-hour recorder required.
§ 121.3590)(1) and (2) On or after Dec 6, DLR required if installed.
§ 121.359(k) ' For aircraft required to comply with § 121.359, the CVR must retain a minimum of 30 minutes of recorded information after activation of the "Erasure" feature, if installed.
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