The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published InFO 26013, Requirements for Aircraft to be Equipped with 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) summarizing the compliance timelines and applicability of the new CVR regulations.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 requires installation of a CVR capable of recording and retaining 25-hours of information on many types of aircraft that already must have a CVR. Earlier this year, the FAA implemented 25-hour CVR regulations for newly manufactured aircraft.
In general, new aircraft operated under Parts 91, 125, or 135 must have the 25-hour CVR if over 59,525 lbs. and manufactured after February 2, 2027. Those newly manufactured aircraft at or below 59,524 lbs. must comply by February 2, 2029.
Existing aircraft that currently have a CVR requirement will need to upgrade to the 25-Hour CVR by May 2030 if the aircraft has a passenger seating capacity of 30 or more.
Additional information is available in the InFO as well as the FAA Final Rule (91 FR 4447, published February 2, 2026) and Correcting Amendments (91 FR 25108, published May 8 2026).