How does the black box on an airplane record information about the flight?
English · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
Answered on
The black box on an airplane, more formally known as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), records crucial information about the flight to assist in investigations in case of accidents or incidents. Here's how each component works:
1. Flight Data Recorder (FDR):
- The FDR is responsible for recording a variety of data related to the aircraft's performance and operating conditions during the flight. It collects information from various sensors and systems on the aircraft, typically at a high frequency (several times per second). The recorded data may include:
- Altitude
- Airspeed
- Heading
- Vertical acceleration
- Pitch and roll attitudes
- Engine parameters (e.g., thrust, RPM)
- Autopilot settings
- Flight control surface positions
- The information is stored on a memory device inside the FDR. In the event of an accident, investigators can analyze this data to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
2. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR):
- The CVR records audio conversations and other sounds that occur in the cockpit during the flight. This includes communications between the flight crew, air traffic control, and any ambient sounds within the cockpit.
- The CVR typically retains the last two hours of audio, overwriting the oldest data as new recordings are made. In the event of an incident, investigators analyze the cockpit audio to understand crew communications, alarms, and other relevant sounds that may provide insights into the circumstances leading to the incident.
Both the FDR and CVR are housed in a crash-resistant container, commonly referred to as the "black box," although the box itself is typically brightly colored (orange) to enhance visibility and retrieval in the aftermath of an accident. These recorders play a crucial role in aviation safety investigations, helping authorities understand the factors contributing to accidents and improving overall aviation safety.