Updated Feb 3, 2026
A cockpit voice recorders (CVR) records the audio environment of the flight deck, including radio transmissions, pilot conversations and ambient sounds. A CVR is required for multi-engine, turbine-powered aircraft that require two or more pilots by their type certificate and have a seating capacity of 6 or more passengers (under Part 135) or 20 or more (under Part 91).
A flight data recorder (FDR) captures specific parameters – such as altitude, airspeed, heading and vertical acceleration – to help investigators reconstruct a flight profile. A FDR is generally required for multi-engine, turbine-powered airplanes that have a seating configuration of 10 or more.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.