
You often hear it when an airplane crashes: rescue teams are searching for the black box. But what is it and how does it work?
Despite its name, the black box is not black but orange in color. Furthermore, it's not a box but a collective term for two different devices found on almost every commercial aircraft: the FDR and CVR.
No secrets in the sky
The CVR, or Cockpit Voice Recorder, records all the sounds in the cockpit, including communication between pilots and air traffic control.
Additionally, you have the FDR, or Flight Data Recorder. This device is responsible for storing all the technical data of the flight. The pilot's actions regarding speed, altitude, heading, and so on, can be perfectly reconstructed.

Why isn't the black box black?
You may have wondered, why isn't that black box just black? The answer is quite simple: for rescue teams, searching for a black box amid debris is not easy. Orange is an eye-catching color, even in water.
Strong, stronger, strongest
It may seem strange to you that the black box often survives the most devastating airplane crashes. But thanks to a crash-resistant casing, these devices can withstand extreme heat and pressure.
Additionally, the location within the aircraft is also crucial. The black box is not located near the cockpit, in case you were wondering. It's placed in the rear of the aircraft, in the tail, where the chances of destruction are minimal.

The silent witnesses in the sky
Thanks to the data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder, we learn a lot from plane crashes, and investigators can precisely determine how the aircraft and crew behaved just before an incident. It is often the only way to find out the cause of an airplane crash.
Conclusion
In my view, the black box remains the most reliable witness in an investigation of an aviation disaster. Even if you accidentally end up in the cockpit, know that your voice is being recorded.
See you soon!
By: Rico Valkenborgh | October 26, 2023
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Dieser Artikel ist sehr schΓΆn formuliert! Rico ist ein Sprachwissenschaftler und vor allem ein Flugexperte. Ich freue mich darauf, nΓ€chste Woche einen neuen Artikel zu lesen.