When does the CVR start?

When does the CVR start?

• A. DC power applied to the aircraft
• B. Engines start
• C. Ground power applied
• D. Air conditioning on

Answer: (A)

Power starts the CVR. The cockpit voice recorder is powered by the aircraft’s electrical system, so it begins recording as soon as DC power is applied to the aircraft (for example, when ground power is connected or the aircraft power-up sequence starts). Engines starting doesn’t trigger the CVR by itself—the recorder is already powered once the aircraft’s electrical system is energized. Air conditioning on doesn’t power the CVR independently. The key moment is energizing the aircraft’s electrical power, which activates the CVR and starts its recording.

Power starts the CVR. The cockpit voice recorder is powered by the aircraft’s electrical system, so it begins recording as soon as DC power is applied to the aircraft (for example, when ground power is connected or the aircraft power-up sequence starts). Engines starting doesn’t trigger the CVR by itself—the recorder is already powered once the aircraft’s electrical system is energized. Air conditioning on doesn’t power the CVR independently. The key moment is energizing the aircraft’s electrical power, which activates the CVR and starts its recording.