When an airplane accident happens, investigators rush to find two important devices on board, the black boxes.
Despite the name, they are usually bright orange so they can be found easily in the wreckage.
These black boxes include:
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): captures conversations and sounds inside the cockpit.
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR): stores information like speed, altitude, direction, and more.
Together, they help investigators understand what happened in the moments before a crash.
But some people believe they may not always tell the complete story. That’s where cockpit video recorders come in.
Why Add Cameras to the Cockpit?
Supporters of cockpit video recorders believe that seeing what’s happening is just as important as hearing or measuring it.
For example, in the case of Air India Flight 171, which crashed in Ahmedabad, early reports suggest that the engines lost fuel shortly after takeoff. If investigators had video footage from inside the cockpit, they might be able to tell:
- What the pilots were doing at that time
- Whether there were technical issues or warning signs
- How the crew reacted in those critical moments
Just like security cameras help in solving crimes on the ground, cockpit cameras could help solve aviation accidents faster and more clearly.
This Debate Isn’t New
The idea of using cameras in airplane cockpits has been around for a long time. In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States has been recommending it since 2003.
More than 20 years later, cockpit cameras are still not required on commercial planes. But whenever there’s a major crash, the topic comes back into the spotlight.
Recently, Willie Walsh, the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), spoke in favor of cockpit video recording. He said:
“Our industry has always been open to sharing information. Every accident should be fully and properly investigated. A video, along with voice recordings, can help investigators do a better job — and help us prevent future tragedies.”
Why Aren’t Cockpit Cameras Already Used?
While cameras sound like a good idea, there are concerns:
- Pilot Privacy: Some pilots feel that constant video recording might invade their privacy.
- Misuse of Footage: There are fears the recordings could be leaked or used unfairly.
- Technical Challenges: Adding and maintaining video systems in all aircraft is expensive and complicated.
Despite these concerns, many believe that the benefits for safety outweigh the risks.
Also Read on How Air Traffic Control Works
Related Questions (FAQs)
1. Are cockpit video recorders used on planes today?
Very few commercial airplanes use them. Some private and military aircraft do, but it’s not a worldwide standard yet.
2. Do black boxes record everything?
They record a lot, but not video. The CVR captures sound, and the FDR stores flight data like speed, altitude, and direction.
3. Could cockpit videos stop crashes from happening?
Not directly, but they could help investigators understand accidents better and make recommendations to prevent similar events in the future.
