Why in NEWS
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered black boxes from the crash site of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad.
What are Black Boxes and How Do They Work?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Dr. David Warren, Australia (1954); made mandatory in 1960 |
| Components | Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) |
| Appearance | Bright orange with reflective tape; rectangular and crash-resistant |
| Materials | Made of steel or titanium, placed near the tail for protection |
| DFDR Function | Records flight parameters like speed, altitude, engine data for 25+ hours |
| CVR Function | Records cockpit audio, alarms, and ambient sounds for at least 2 hours |
| Importance | Helps identify root causes of crashes or anomalies |
| Limitations | No video recording; signal failure can hinder recovery (e.g., MH370) |
Historical Evolution of Flight Recorders
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1950 | Metal foil-based FDRs developed |
| 1953 | General Mills sold first commercial FDR |
| 1954 | Dr. Warren’s FDR model inspired by Comet jet accidents |
| 1960 | Black boxes made mandatory |
| 1965 | Painted orange/yellow for visibility |
| 1990 | Solid-state memory replaced magnetic tape |
Key Advancements in Black Box Technology
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic Deployable Recorders | Floatable units with emergency locator, auto-release during crash |
| Autonomous Distress Tracking | Real-time tracking via advanced ELTs |
| Combined Voice & Data Recorders (CVDR) | Meet ICAO mandate of 25-hour voice recording in modern aircraft |
What is the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2012 under Ministry of Civil Aviation |
| Purpose | Independent investigation of civil aviation accidents in Indian airspace |
| Mandate | Handles all accidents involving aircraft over 2250 kg or turbojet engines |
| Governing Rules | Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017 |
| Key Functions | Collects black boxes, witness data, identifies causes, issues safety measures |
| Objective | Prevention of accidents; not to assign legal blame or liability |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code – Box is Orange, But Clues are Golden
Black boxes are silent witnesses of aviation disasters, and their recovery by AAIB is key to uncovering what went wrong in midair.
Prelims Practice Questions
- What does a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) primarily record?
A. Aircraft engine parameters
B. Radar data
C. Audio from cockpit and alarms
D. Weather patterns - Which material is commonly used to build black boxes?
A. Aluminium
B. Plastic
C. Titanium
D. Carbon fiber - What is the primary aim of AAIB investigations?
A. Prosecute guilty pilots
B. Determine compensation
C. Prevent future accidents
D. Maintain air traffic schedules
Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the role of black boxes in improving aviation safety. How have technological advancements enhanced their utility? (GS 3)
- Discuss the importance of maintaining institutional independence in accident investigation agencies like AAIB. (GS 2)
Prelims Answer Key and Explanations
| Q | Ans | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | CVR records cockpit voices, ambient sounds, and alarms |
| 2 | C | Titanium or steel ensures black boxes survive high impact and heat |
| 3 | C | The AAIB’s sole purpose is accident prevention, not legal accountability |
