25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Requirement, New Aircraft Production
Published Date: 2/2/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 2, 2026, all new aircraft must have cockpit voice recorders that capture 25 hours of audio instead of just 2. This change helps investigators get more clues to solve accidents and keeps U.S. rules in line with global standards. Aircraft makers and operators will need to update their gear, but the extra safety info is worth it!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Retrofit deferred here, Act requires retrofit by 2030
FAA finalized forward-fit only in this rule (no fleetwide retrofit requirement in this final rule), but the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act requires covered operators to retrofit covered aircraft within six years of enactment (six years after May 16, 2024 = May 16, 2030). FAA estimates retrofitting the existing fleet using a $25,000 unit cost across an estimated 23,273 CVR‑equipped aircraft would be roughly $581.83 million (undiscounted) in equipment cost.
New aircraft must carry 25‑hour CVRs
Starting with newly manufactured aircraft covered by 14 CFR parts 91, 121, 125, and 135, cockpit voice recorders must retain 25 hours of audio rather than the prior 2-hour requirement. FAA reports the incremental cost for a 25-hour unit over a 2-hour unit ranges up to about $5,209 (2024 dollars) per new aircraft; FAA estimates total discounted costs over 20 years of $69.7 million and annualized costs of $6.6 million (7% discount).
Three-tiered compliance deadlines
The rule sets staggered compliance dates: covered aircraft per the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act manufactured later than one year after enactment (i.e., after May 16, 2025) must have 25-hour CVRs; aircraft operating under parts 91, 125, or 135 with MCTOW ≥ 59,525 lbs. and 29 or fewer passenger seats must have 25-hour CVRs one year after the final rule's effective date (one year after February 2, 2026 = February 2, 2027); aircraft manufactured on or after three years from the effective date (three years after February 2, 2026 = February 2, 2029) with MCTOW ≤ 59,524 lbs. must be equipped with 25-hour CVRs.
More data for investigations and international alignment
FAA says expanding CVR recording to 25 hours provides investigators substantially more audio to determine probable causes of incidents and accidents and helps align U.S. rules with ICAO and EASA standards (ICAO/EASA require 25‑hour CVRs for certain aircraft manufactured after January 1, 2021). The FAA cites NTSB recommendations and expects safety benefits from improved investigations.
CVR data use and crew privacy protections
FAA states it is prohibited from using CVR information to pursue civil penalties or certificate actions under 14 CFR 91.609(g), 121.359(h), 125.227(f), and 135.151(c); CVR information voluntarily supplied is protected under 14 CFR part 193. FAA also says it does not control how operators use CVR data once it is returned to them.
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