CS 29.1459 Flight data recorders

(See AMC 29.1459)

(a) Each flight data recorder required by the applicable operating rules must be approved and must be installed so that:

(1) It is supplied with airspeed, altitude, and directional data obtained from sources that meet the accuracy requirements of CS 29.1323, 29.1325, and 29.1327, as applicable;

(2) The vertical acceleration sensor is rigidly attached, and located longitudinally within the approved centre of gravity limits of the rotorcraft;

(3) (i) It receives its electrical power from the bus that provides the maximum reliability for operation of the flight recorder without jeopardising service to essential or emergency loads; and

(ii) It remains powered for as long as possible without jeopardising the emergency operation of the rotorcraft;

(4) There is an aural or visual means for pre-flight checking of the recorder for proper recording of data in the storage medium;

(5) Except for recorders powered solely by the engine-driven electrical generator system, there is an automatic means to stop the recording within 10 minutes after any crash impact;

(6) If the cockpit voice recorder function is also performed by the recorder and no other recorder is installed on board the rotorcraft, any single electrical failure that is external to the recorder does not disable both the cockpit voice recorder function and the flight data recorder function; and

(7) If another recorder is installed on board the rotorcraft to perform the cockpit voice recorder function, any single electrical failure that is external to the recorder dedicated to the flight data recorder function does not disable both the recorders.

(b) The container of the recording medium must be located and mounted so as to minimise the probability of the container rupturing, the recording medium being destroyed, or the underwater locating device failing, as a result of any possible combinations of:

— impact with the Earth’s surface;

— the heat damage caused by post-impact fire; and

— immersion in water.

(c) A correlation must be established between the flight data recorder readings of airspeed, altitude, and heading and the corresponding readings (taking into account correction factors) of the first pilot’s instruments. This correlation must cover the airspeed range over which the aircraft is to be operated, the range of altitude to which the aircraft is limited, and 360° of heading. Correlation may be established on the ground as appropriate.

(d) The container of the flight data recorder must comply with the specifications in CS 29.1457(g) that are applicable to the container of the cockpit voice recorder.

[Amdt No: 29/7]

[Amdt No: 29/9]