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Universal Avionics recorders to be standard on Q400s

In an agreement recently reached between Universal Avionics and flight deck integrator Thales Canada Inc, Universal’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) will be introduced as standard equipment on the Q400 later this year.

The Q400 will be equipped with Universal Avionics’ Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), either with internal Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS) or without RIPS, depending upon the operating and regulatory environment of the operator. The CVR incorporates a unique optional internal RIPS function that allows aircraft operators to meet the FAA’s RIPS requirement without the additional weight of an external RIPS unit.

As flight deck integrator for the Bombardier Q400 aircraft, Thales Canada Inc., the Aerospace Division of the Thales Group, chose the Universal CVR and FDR to replace older systems failing to comply with new regulatory requirements that will be implemented in March of this year. The FAA’s most recent Final Rule for CVR and FDR installations is intended to improve the quality and quantity of information recorded in an effort to capture information critical to accident and incident investigations. Among the changes, requirements in the duration of certain CVR recordings and the data recording rate for FDR parameters have been increased, as well as the recording of certain data link communications (when such equipment is installed). In addition, all forward-fit CVR installations in aircraft with more than 10 seats such as the Q400 must have Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS) capabilities. Universal’s line of cockpit voice and flight data recorders meet all the requirements of this FAA Final Rule (FAA-2005-20245).

“We are excited to bring this technology to Q400 operators,” says Robert Clare, Director of OEM Marketing for Universal Avionics, “and Thales' Q400 integration and program management expertise was integral to a very successful partnership.”