What is a black box? A black box, also known as a flight recorder, is a sturdy orange device that records important data and sounds during an aircraft's flight. The name black box comes from its early design, which recorded data on film in a light-proof box. It is round or cylindrical, and is safe from fire, explosions, collisions, and submersion in water. What the black box does The black box records aircraft parameters (such as speed, altitude) and sounds (pilot conversations, radio communications, cockpit noise). It is usually installed in the tail of the aircraft. It plays a key role in understanding the causes of accidents and finding ways to prevent them in the future. It stores the pilots' last conversations and the last 25 hours of flight data, while 2 hours of cockpit conversations are recorded. History of the black box The first data recorder was built in the 1930s by French engineer François Hussinnot. It was first used in 1947, and since 1958 the Civil Aviation Board has made it mandatory on aircraft. Its orange color makes it easy to find. 5 This device weighing 100 kg can send a signal for up to 90 days at sea, which is activated when it comes into contact with water. The safety standard of the black box is as strong as granite and passes several rigorous safety tests. It not only helps in accident investigations but also provides the aviation industry with opportunities to improve aircraft safety. The result is that the black box is an important tool for aircraft safety and accident prevention. Its robustness and data recording capacity have played a revolutionary role in making aviation safer.