Black Boxes

The Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders (so called 'black-boxes' even though they are actually orange) provide invaluable information to investigators as they try to piece together the sequence of events leading up to an accident.  

CAR 605.33 Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder Requirements

• FDR: required for multi-engine turbine aircraft (see regulation for specifics and variations based on passenger configurations)
• CVR: required for multi-engine turbine aircraft configured for 6 or more passengers and two pilots

CAR 605.34 Use of Flight Data Recorders and Cockpit Voice Recorders

• Operation 
• FDR: continuously from take-off to landing
• CVR: continuously from application of electrical power prior to flight until removal of electrical power following flight
• Without a MEL, either the FDR or CVR may be unserviceable for up to 90 days after day of failure, as long as the other one is serviceable, and the date of failure is recorded in the aircraft technical records.