AMC1 NCC.GEN.145(f)(1a) Handling of flight recorder recordings: preservation, production, protection and use

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 15

INSPECTION OF AUDIO RECORDINGS FOR ENSURING SERVICEABILITY

(a)    When an inspection of the audio recordings from a flight recorder is performed for ensuring audio quality and intelligibility of recorded communications:

(1)    the privacy of the audio recordings should be ensured (e.g. by locating the replay equipment in a separated area and/or using headsets);

(2)    access to the replay equipment should be restricted to specifically authorised persons identified by their position;

(3)    provision should be made for the secure storage of the recording medium, the audio recording files and copies thereof;

(4)    the audio recording files and copies thereof should be destroyed not earlier than 2 months and not later than 1 year after completion of the inspection of the audio recordings, except that audio samples with no privacy content may be retained for enhancing this recording the inspection (e.g. for comparing audio quality);

(5)    only the accountable manager of the operator and, when identified to comply with ORO.GEN.200, the person fulfilling the role of safety manager should be entitled to request a copy of the audio recording files.

(b)    The conditions enumerated in (a) should also be complied with if the inspection of the audio recordings is subcontracted to a third party. The contractual agreements with the third party should explicitly cover these aspects.