The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a final rule on February 2, 2026, increasing the mandated recording duration for cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) from two hours to 25 hours for affected future manufactured aircraft. This regulatory change, detailed in Federal Register document 2026-02110, applies to new aircraft production.
The primary goal of this adjustment is to provide accident investigators, aircraft operators, and civil aviation authorities with substantially more data. This extended recording window helps determine the probable causes of incidents and accidents, aiding in the prevention of future events. Additionally, the rule aligns FAA regulations more closely with existing international requirements.
The regulation affects aircraft operating under specific Federal Aviation Administration regulations found in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The affected parts include Part 91, which covers general operating and flight rules; Part 121; Part 125; and Part 135, which governs commuter and on-demand operations. The rule was established under Docket No. FAA-2023-2270 with Amendment Nos. 91-382, 121-395, 125-77 and 135-149.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.