Electronic Data Recorders

The humble “black box” has been so successful it has changed the types of incidents that now need forensic examination. Simple technical failures are rare. The overwhelming majority of aircraft black boxes will never be used for their original purpose. Quick Access Recorders and sophisticated safety management systems, however, make use of recorded data every single day and they reveal a new forensic frontier. The story begins with the origins and development of the black box. It concludes with practical guidance to help support forensic examinations of the thorniest strategic safety issues.