What is the purpose of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR)?

The purpose of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) is to record pilot conversations and cockpit sounds for investigation. This device plays a crucial role in enhancing flight safety, as it captures audio from the cockpit environment, including communications between the flight crew and interactions with air traffic control. In the event of an incident or accident, the information stored in the CVR can provide valuable insights into the pilots’ decision-making processes, the sequence of events leading to the incident, and any anomalies occurring in-flight.

The data gathered can help investigators understand the human factors involved, assess adherence to protocols, and identify potential areas for safety improvements. This focus on recording verbal exchanges makes the CVR invaluable not only for forensic purposes but also for training and improving operational practices.