JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

FAA Mandates 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorders on New Aircraft

February 6, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

New aircraft must have 25-hour cockpit voice recorders.
Rule applies to aircraft manufactured after May 16, 2025.
Affects business jets and larger turbine aircraft.
Aligns US requirements with international standards.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This rule may improve accident investigation capabilities, particularly for long-duration flights. The expanded recording duration could provide more complete data, which suggests a positive impact on safety. However, the decision not to mandate retrofits may indicate a balance between safety and cost considerations.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Regulatory Update Enhances Safety Data For Large Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration has published a final rule requiring new large aircraft in the United States to be equipped with cockpit voice recorders capable of storing at least 25 hours of audio. This expansion from the previous two-hour standard aims to give investigators more complete data following accidents and serious incidents. The rule applies to aircraft manufactured after May 16, 2025, and covers a wide range of business jets and larger turbine aircraft. The National Business Aviation Association supports the FAA’s approach, citing the benefits of improved safety insights without the significant cost burden of a retrofit mandate. The move was first reported by AeroTime.

Source

Companies Mentioned