FAA Patches Typos in 25-Hour Airplane Black Box Mandate
Published Date: 5/8/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA fixed some typos and formatting goofs in the new rule that requires future-built airplanes to have cockpit voice recorders that record 25 hours instead of just 2. These corrections don’t change the rule itself but make sure the official text is clear and accurate. The fixes take effect on May 8, 2026, and mainly affect aircraft manufacturers and operators following these updated rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Transport Aircraft: 25‑Hour CVR from May 16, 2025
If you manufacture or operate transport-category airplanes type-certificated with 30 or more passenger seats, those aircraft manufactured on or after May 16, 2025 must retain the last 25 hours of cockpit voice recorder (CVR) information instead of 2 hours. This rule comes from the FAA requirement that new production transport aircraft use CVRs meeting TSO-C123c (or later).
Large Light Aircraft: 25‑Hour CVR from Feb 2, 2027
If you manufacture or operate airplanes or rotorcraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight (MCTOW) of 59,525 pounds or more and type-certificated with 29 or fewer passenger seats, those aircraft manufactured on or after February 2, 2027 must retain the last 25 hours of CVR information instead of 2 hours. The requirement uses CVRs that meet TSO-C123c (or later).
Smaller Aircraft: 25‑Hour CVR from Feb 2, 2029
If you manufacture or operate airplanes or rotorcraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight (MCTOW) of 59,524 pounds or less, those aircraft manufactured on or after February 2, 2029 must retain the last 25 hours of CVR information instead of 2 hours. The requirement specifies using recorders that meet TSO-C123c (or later revision).
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