The most distinguishing feature of the Cockpit Voice/Flight Data Recorder (CVFDR) is its internal Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS) option, which provides a backup power source in the event of a main power failure without the headache of maintaining batteries. Backup power allows the CVFDR to record data for 10 minutes after a power failure and meets emerging requirements for cockpit voice and digital flight data recording presented by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the latest FAA TSOs.

The NTSB lists this back-up power source capability on its transportation safety improvements “10 Most Wanted List”, as well as 2-hour cockpit audio recording capability. Universal’s CVFDR meets the NTSB’s recommendations, as well as the FAA’s recently released requirements for cockpit voice and flight data recording. According to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) for Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) and digital Flight Data Recorders (FDR) (FAA-2005-20245), which became Final Rule on March 7, 2008, all forward-fit CVR installations in aircraft with more than 10 seats must have RIPS capabilities by March 2010.

The internal RIPS option allows aircraft operators to meet the RIPS requirement without the additional size, weight or complexity of an external RIPS unit. FAAs final rule also requires recording of data link communications on all forward-fit aircraft with an onboard data link unit. Universal’s CVFDR records 120 minutes of data link messages sent by an ARINC 758 compliant Communications Management Unit (CMU).

Twenty-five hours of flight data recording and interfaces with data downloader tools allow quick download of data from virtually any aircraft between flights. An Ethernet interface for on-aircraft data downloading is supported by Universal’s CVFDR. Bolt-down mounting eliminates extra weight and cost of rack trays. Weighing less than 9 pounds with RIPS, Universal’s CVFDR is the lightest unit available, resulting in additional fuel savings. This all-in-one unit will be available in five model options that offer a choice or combination of cockpit voice recording, flight data and RIPS capabilities. The all new CVFDR was developed in compliance with the newest, most rigorous testing standards stipulated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation authorities around the world.