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from the aircraft's Quick Access Recorder (QAR), either by transfer to a portable

solid state recording device or by direct upload to the operator's headquarters via

radio or satellite. FDRs or black boxes as they are commonly called are usually

located in the rear of the aircraft, typically in the tail. In this position, the entire front

of the aircraft is expected to act as a "crush zone" to reduce the shock that reaches

the recorder. Also, modern FDRs are typically double wrapped in strong

corrosion-resistant stainless steel or titanium, with high-temperature insulation

inside. They are usually bright orange. They are designed to emit an ultrasonic

"ping" from an underwater locator beacon for up to 30 days and can operate

immersed to a depth of up to 20,000 feet.

XV. REMOTE ACCESS TO THE QUICK ACCESS RECORDER

Ever since the 1970s, most large civil jet transports have been additionally

equipped with a "quick access recorder" (QAR). This device records data on a

removable storage medium. Access to the FDR and CVR is necessarily difficult

because of the requirement that they survive an accident.

They also require specialized equipment to read the recording. However the

QAR recording medium is readily removable and is designed to be read by

equipment attached to a standard desktop computer. In many airlines, the quick

access recordings are scanned for 'events', an event being a significant deviation

from normal operational parameters. This allows operational problems to be

detected and eliminated before an accident or incident results.

Many modern aircraft systems are digital or digitally controlled. Very often, the

digital system will include Built-In Test Equipment which records information about

the operation of the system.

Docket No. : Ticket 2180/215 12