Feb. 4, 2026
The FAA has published its final rule mandating that most new-production aircraft in the U.S. be equipped with 25-hour cockpit voice recorders (CVRs).
The requirement applies to aircraft manufactured after May 16, 2025, operated under Parts 91, 135, 121 and 125, with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MCTOW) of at least 59,525 lbs (27,000 kg) and 29 or fewer passenger seats.
“This action provides accident investigators, aircraft operators, and civil aviation authorities with substantially more CVR data to help determine the probable causes of incidents and accidents and prevent future incidents and accidents,” the FAA stated in the final rule published Feb. 2. “The action will also align [FAA] regulations more closely with existing international requirements.”
The final rule comes after a December 2023 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) from the FAA increasing the minimum duration for CVR recordings from two to 25 hours for all newly-manufactured aircraft operating under Parts 91, 135, 121 and 125.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 further mandated that all Part 121 aircraft be equipped with the 25-hour CVRs, as well as any transport category aircraft type-certificated with a passenger seat capacity of 30 or more, including all-cargo or combi derivatives.
The act also included a six-year CVR retrofit requirement for existing aircraft meeting those definitions. However, the FAA opted not to move forward with a final rule at this time, citing the need to study equipment and labor costs industrywide that are projected to be almost six times that of forward-fit installations.
“NBAA supports the FAA’s final rule intended to offer critical insights to enhance operational safety throughout our industry,” said Doug Carr, NBAA senior vice president for safety, security, sustainability and international operations. “We also encourage members to evaluate the benefits of a 25-hour CVR as part of future upgrades for their current aircraft.”
Citing privacy concerns expressed by some respondents to the NPRM, the FAA emphasized the agency is, “prohibited from using information obtained from the record for the purpose of civil penalties or certificate action.” Use of such information from a CVR returned to the owner/operator or insurer following accident investigations is outside FAA jurisdiction.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.