From time to time we hear comments regarding the infamous “black boxes” installed on commercial aircraft, although no one is certain why it is described as such or who coined term. The nickname for the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), the “black box”, more than likely stems from a reference to miscellaneous electronic equipment. The recorders are actually orange in color to allow it to stand out among other metal debris. The recorders consist of numerous computer chips surrounded by a strong metal cylinder-like case to ensure it can survive high impacts. The CVR can store approximately two hours of audio, including pilot-to-pilot conversations and transmissions with air traffic control (ATC).

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