What is the function of a flight data recorder or a 'black box'?

What is the function of a flight data recorder or a 'black box'?

• A. To store pilot logs
• B. To record flight parameters for accident investigation and safety analysis
• C. To monitor cabin pressure
• D. To control autopilot remotely

Answer: (B)

A flight data recorder captures a wide set of flight parameters throughout the flight so investigators can reconstruct exactly what happened and analyze safety performance. By clocking data such as airspeed, altitude, attitude, vertical speed, engine readings, and control surface positions at a high rate, it creates a detailed timeline of aircraft performance and crew actions. This objective data helps determine what went wrong, how systems behaved, and where improvements are needed to prevent recurrence. It isn’t used to store pilot logs, monitor cabin pressure, or control the autopilot remotely. A cockpit voice recorder often sits alongside it to provide context from crew communications.

A flight data recorder captures a wide set of flight parameters throughout the flight so investigators can reconstruct exactly what happened and analyze safety performance. By clocking data such as airspeed, altitude, attitude, vertical speed, engine readings, and control surface positions at a high rate, it creates a detailed timeline of aircraft performance and crew actions. This objective data helps determine what went wrong, how systems behaved, and where improvements are needed to prevent recurrence. It isn’t used to store pilot logs, monitor cabin pressure, or control the autopilot remotely. A cockpit voice recorder often sits alongside it to provide context from crew communications.