NPRM CVR and DFDR Improvements

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NPRM CVR and DFDR Improvements
Terry Pearsall Airmen and Avionics Branch
AFS-350
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Overview

• NTSB Recommendations
• Proposed Rule Changes
• Whats not Addressed
• Review
• Questions

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Cited Accidents/Incidents

• Alaska Airlines flight 261 Jan. 31, 2000
• EgyptAir flight 990 Oct. 31, 1999
• Delta flight 2461 Dec. 15, 1998
• Swissair flight 111 Sep. 2, 1998
• SilkAir flight 185 Dec. 19, 1997
• ValuJet flight 592 May 11, 1996
• TWA flight 800 Jul. 17, 1996
• ValuJet flight 597 Jun. 8, 1995

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NTSB Recommendations

• Addresses various NTSB recommendations for DFDR
  and CVR systems.
• According to the NTSB, accident/incident
  investigations have been hampered by
• the limited duration of CVR recordings
• the loss of power to both CVRs and digital flight
  data recorders (DFDR)
• certain parameters with low sample rates

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NTSB Recommendations

• The following NTSB recommendations are addressed
  in this NRPM
• A9689 CVR Interphone recording
• A96171 2 hour CVR
• A9916 Solid-state CVR with Recorder
  Independent Power Supply (RIPS)
• A9917 2 combination CVR/DFDR
• recording systems.
• A9918 CVR/FDR powered from separate
• busses with highest reliability

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NTSB recommendationsNOT included in the NPRM

• Dual Recording Systems - Installation of two
  complete recording systems (two CVRs and two
  DFDRs) in each aircraft.
• Unable to justify the excessive cost.
• No known accident or incident (except WTC 9-11)
  where at least one recorder was recovered.
• In an accident so catastrophic that neither
  recorder survives, a second set of recorders
  located in the front of the aircraft would
  probably not survive either.
• Retrofit of a 10-minute RIPS for CVRs.

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Whats in the NPRM

• CVR Duration
• Retain the last 2 hours of cockpit audio
  AND-meets the standards of TSO-C123a, or later
  revision.
• TSO-C123b in draft. Expect release in Oct. 05.
• Airplanes - Retrofit and newly manufactured.
• Rotorcraft - No retrofit. Newly manufactured
  only.

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Whats in the NPRM

• CVR Backup Power (RIPS)
• Require a 10 minute independent backup power
  source for the CVR.
• RIPS TSO-C155 released.
• Requirement for newly manufactured airplanes and
  rotorcraft.

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Whats in the NPRM

• CVR and DFDR Wiring
• CVR and DFDR installed so it receives its
  electrical power from
• most reliable sources and
• separate busses
• Requirement for newly manufactured airplanes and
  rotorcraft.

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Whats in the NPRM

• Separate Containers
• Codifies position that CVR and DFDR must be
  installed in separate containers.
• Installation of two combination CVR/DFDR units
  will satisfy this requirement.
• One combined DFDR/CVR is allowed for rotorcraft.
• Requirement for all aircraft to carry a CVR or
  DFDR.

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Whats in the NPRM

• Increased DFDR Recording Rates
• Parameters are primary flight controls pilot
  inputs and associated primary flight control
  surface deflections.
• Airplanes increased to 16 Hz
• Rotorcraft increased to 4 Hz
• Requirement for newly manufactured airplanes and
  rotorcraft.

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Whats in the NPRM

• Data Link Communication
• Performance based requirement for recording
  approved datasets as defined during
  certification.
• Eliminates continuous revisions that would be
  required to maintain 14 CFR currency as new
  technologies develop.
• Records 2 hours of approved data link message
  sets.
• Requirement for any aircraft that installs a
  datalink system two years after effective date of
  rule.
• Draft AC 20-DLK will provide guidance.

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Whats in the NPRM

• Additional changes
• DFDR 14 CFR 91.609 Recording duration from 8
  hours to 25 hours.
• No impact expected
• CVRs Require all aircraft record 14 CFR 2X.1457
  (a)(3), (4) and (5).
• These include interphone, Nav or approach aids,
  PA system (if 4th channel is available and
  systems installed)
• No impact expected
• Standardized the CVR Start/Stop language in all
  parts.
• May require Flight Manual text changes.

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NPRM 14 CFR Changes

• 2X.1457 CVR
• 2X.1459 FDR
• 91.609 FDR/CVR.
• 91 Appendix E Airplane parameters
• 91 Appendix E Helicopter parameters
• 121.343 FDR.
• 121.344 DFDR for transport category airplanes.
  
• 121.344a DFDR for 1019 seat airplanes.

• 121 Appendix M
• 125.225 DFDR.
• 125.227 CVR.
• 125 Appendix E
• 129.22 CVR.
• 135.151 CVR.
• 135.152 DFDR.
• 135 Appendix C and E Helicopter Parameters
• 135 Appendix F Airplane Parameters

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In review, the NPRM would require

• CVRs - 2 Hour Solid State (SS) Retrofit
  newly manufactured acft.
• RIPS Newly manufactured aircraft.
• CVR/DFDR - Separate containers All airplanes
• Datalink Newly manufactured aircraft or newly
  installed system.
• CVR/DFDR - Separate, reliable power Newly
  manufactured
• 25 Hour DFDRs. (SS for newly manufactured
  aircraft.)
• CVRs - All transport aircraft record
  interphone, Nav Approach Aids and PA (as
  required)
• Compliance times
• 2 years for new aircraft.
• 4 years for 2 hour CVR retrofit.

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Rulemaking Timeline

• NPRM was released on Feb 28, 2005
• NPRM comment period close date Jun 28, 2005
• Comments will be reviewed and revisions made as
  required.
• If extensive changes are made, a second NPRM may
  be required.
• Final rule process requires review by FAA, OST
  and OMB. This process could take 1 years to
  complete.

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Flight Standards Actions

• Prior to Final Rule promulgation
• Revise FAA Order 8300.10, Volume 3, Chapters 142
  on FDR and 143 on CVR to require more frequent
  and comprehensive inspections.
• Withdraw Flight Standards Handbook Order, FSAW
  04-07
• Coordinate maintenance checks (correlation and
  reasonableness) with AIR-130 for incorporation
  into revision to Advisory Circular 20-141A.

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For Further Information

• For NPRM info go to http//dms.dot.gov/search/sea
  rchResultsSimple.cfm?numberValue20245searchType
  docket
• or go to http//dms.dot.gov and search for 20245.
• Includes full reg eval and all comments.
• Or contact
• Timothy W. Shaver
• FAA/AIR-130
• [phone]
• Tim.Shaver_at_faa.gov

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Questions?
DFDR/CVR