“Extension of the minimum transmission times” is such a general term that we want to highlight the main improvements adopted with this regulation, so regarding:
1) Cockpit voice recorder (CVR):
- All 30 minutes recording duration CVRs installed on aeroplanes must be replaced by 2 hours recording duration CVRs by January 2019;
- All CVRs installed on aeroplanes and helicopters and recording on magnetic tape must be replaced by solid-state CVRs by January 2019;
- Aeroplanes with a MCTOM of more than 27 000 kg and manufactured as of January 2021: minimum CVR recording duration must be 25 hours.
2) Underwater locating devices (ULDs):
- Flight recorders ULDs: must be capable of transmitting at least 90 days by July 2018 (instead of 30 days);
- Aeroplanes with a MCTOM of more than 27 000 kg and more than 19 PAX and cargo aeroplanes with a MCTOM of over 45 500 kg performing transoceanic flights: must be retrofitted by January 2019 with an additional long-range ULD with a very large detection range.
3) Aircraft localisation:
- Operators of aeroplanes with a MCTOM of more than 27 000 kg and 19 passengers and cargo aeroplanes with a MCTOM of over 45 500 kg: must put in place an aircraft tracking system for those flights not tracked by ATC, by December 2018;
Aeroplanes with a MCTOM of more than 27 000 kg and 19 passengers and cargo aeroplanes with a MCTOM of over 45 500 kg, and manufactured as of January 2021: must be fitted with robust and automatic means to determine the location of an accident.
