How Does a CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) Work?

The CVR records radio communication between the pilots of an aircraft and controlling authorities, conversation between the pilots and ground or cabin crew as well as other sounds inside the cockpit.

The recorder’s microphone is usually located on the overhead instrument panel between the two pilots.

The CVR is equipped with an Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB) to assist recovery efforts in the event of an accident.

The device called a “pinger” is activated when the recorder is immersed in water, enabling the beacon to transmit from depths of up to 14000ft.

CVR parameters:

Impact tolerance – 3400Gs
Fire resistance – 1100 deg C for 30 minutes
Beacon frequency – 37.5 MHz
Battery capacity – 30 days of operation