Black Box explainer

The video explores the role of flight data and cockpit voice recorders in air accident investigations at Cranfield University. It details the parameters recorded by flight data recorders, such as aircraft movements and engine thrust, but notes their limitations in capturing context like weather or passenger activity. Cockpit voice recorders complement this by recording pilot communications. The video also highlights the durability of these recorders and the challenges in locating them, especially if an aircraft crashes in remote areas like the southern Indian Ocean.

What is the primary function of a flight data recorder in an aircraft?

• To provide real-time weather updates

• To capture video footage of the cockpit

• To record conversations between pilots

• To log various operational parameters of the aircraft

Which of the following is NOT recorded by a flight data recorder?

• Altitude and speed

• Weather conditions

• Engine thrust levels

• Seat belt sign status

What additional information can a cockpit voice recorder provide during an investigation?

• Pilot communications

• Engine performance

• Passenger activities

• Weather conditions

How are flight data recorders designed to withstand crashes?

• They can sustain high G-forces

• They are equipped with parachutes

• They are stored in the cockpit

• They are made of lightweight materials

What is a significant challenge in recovering black boxes from ocean crashes?

• They can be located in deep and remote areas

• They emit no signals

• They are easily damaged by saltwater

• They are not waterproof