Definition
A crash-protected onboard device that continuously records audio from the cockpit, including flight crew conversations, radio communications, and ambient sounds picked up by a cockpit area microphone. The recording is preserved in a hardened housing designed to survive impact and fire so investigators can review it after an accident or incident.
Plain English
A tough, fireproof recorder in the cockpit that captures what the pilots say and the sounds around them, so investigators can listen back if something goes wrong.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft equipment discussions, accident investigation reports, and regulations for larger or commercially operated aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Supplies objective audio evidence that helps determine causes of incidents and supports improvements in training and procedures.
Intuition Check
Do not think of it as a normal voice memo recorder for casual use. In aviation, it is protected safety equipment meant to preserve cockpit audio for investigation.
Example Sentence 1
After the incident, investigators pulled the cockpit voice recorder to review the crew's conversation during the final approach.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance checked the cockpit voice recorder after the hard landing to confirm the crew's actions.