25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Requirement, New Aircraft Production

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 21 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 4447-4462] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-02110]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 91, 121, 125, and 135

[Docket No.: FAA-2023-2270; Amdt. Nos. 91-382, 121-395, 125-77 and 135- 149] RIN 2120-AL92

25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Requirement, New Aircraft Production

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

[[Page 4448]]

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule increases the recording time of cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) from the currently mandated 2 hours to 25 hours for all affected future manufactured aircraft. This action provides accident investigators, aircraft operators, and civil aviation authorities with substantially more CVR data to help determine the probable causes of incidents and accidents and prevent future incidents and accidents. The action will also align the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) regulations more closely with existing international requirements.

DATES: February 2, 2026.

ADDRESSES: For information on where to obtain copies of rulemaking documents and other information related to this final rule, see ``How to Obtain Additional Information'' in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning this action, contact Charisse Green, AFS-340, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Office of Safety Standards, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267- 1675; email [email protected].