Which commuter aircraft are required to have a functioning flight data recorder (FDR)?

Which commuter aircraft are required to have a functioning flight data recorder (FDR)?

• A. Aircraft with a seating capacity of 4 or more
• B. Any aircraft manufactured before October 11, 1991
• C. Any aircraft with a seating capacity of 10 or more, and manufactured after October 11, 1991
• D. All aircraft regardless of seating capacity

Answer: (C)

The requirement for commuter aircraft to have a functioning flight data recorder (FDR) is defined by regulatory standards based on the aircraft’s seating capacity and the date of manufacture. The correct answer indicates that any aircraft with a seating capacity of 10 or more and manufactured after October 11, 1991, must be equipped with a functioning FDR. This regulation is in place to enhance safety by ensuring that flight data is recorded and can be analyzed in the event of an accident or incident. The reasoning behind this requirement is tied to the importance of data collection for safety investigations, which can lead to improvements in aircraft design, operating procedures, and overall aviation safety. Aircraft with a larger seating capacity are often involved in higher passenger volumes, making the recording of flight data more critical for understanding performance and operational safety. In contrast, other choices do not align with the regulatory guidelines. An aircraft with a seating capacity of 4 or more does not automatically necessitate an FDR unless it meets the specific criteria regarding seating and manufacture date. Aircraft manufactured before the specified date may not have been required to have an FDR due to less stringent regulations at that time. Finally, saying that all aircraft require an FDR regardless of these factors does not consider the specific regulatory

The requirement for commuter aircraft to have a functioning flight data recorder (FDR) is defined by regulatory standards based on the aircraft’s seating capacity and the date of manufacture. The correct answer indicates that any aircraft with a seating capacity of 10 or more and manufactured after October 11, 1991, must be equipped with a functioning FDR. This regulation is in place to enhance safety by ensuring that flight data is recorded and can be analyzed in the event of an accident or incident.

The reasoning behind this requirement is tied to the importance of data collection for safety investigations, which can lead to improvements in aircraft design, operating procedures, and overall aviation safety. Aircraft with a larger seating capacity are often involved in higher passenger volumes, making the recording of flight data more critical for understanding performance and operational safety.

In contrast, other choices do not align with the regulatory guidelines. An aircraft with a seating capacity of 4 or more does not automatically necessitate an FDR unless it meets the specific criteria regarding seating and manufacture date. Aircraft manufactured before the specified date may not have been required to have an FDR due to less stringent regulations at that time. Finally, saying that all aircraft require an FDR regardless of these factors does not consider the specific regulatory