EASA SIB 2009-28R1: Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder Systems Serviceability

What to do

Type Certificate and Supplemental Type Certificate holders should review and update continued airworthiness instructions to support compliance with EU Regulation 965/2012, including providing data conversion details. Aircraft operators must incorporate operational checks of FDR and CVR recordings into maintenance programs, ensuring recording quality meets standards and reporting any malfunctions to authorities. Maintenance organizations should follow applicable maintenance programs and report recurrent issues. Dispatch with known recorder failures is prohibited unless allowed by the approved Minimum Equipment List.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2009-28R1 provides updated guidance on the serviceability of Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) systems installed on aircraft, including CS 25 certificated aeroplanes and CS 29 certificated helicopters. It addresses issues related to dormant failures, recording quality, and the completeness of data conversion information necessary for investigations. The bulletin emphasizes compliance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 and ICAO Annex 6 maintenance requirements.

What changed

This bulletin revises the original EASA SIB 2009-28 following the entry into force of Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 in October 2014. It introduces reinforced recommendations for operational checks, including daily or weekly inspections of FDR and CVR functionality and recording quality. It also highlights the need for Type Certificate and Supplemental Type Certificate holders to provide complete and accurate data conversion information to operators.

Why it matters

Ensuring the proper functioning and recording quality of FDR and CVR systems is critical for accurate accident investigations and maintaining aircraft airworthiness. Operators, maintenance organizations, and certification holders must address dormant failures and recording deficiencies to comply with regulatory requirements and support safety investigations. Failure to maintain serviceability can lead to operational disruptions and regulatory non-compliance.