IFALPA recently released three positions on the Cockpit Voice Recorders:

• Airborne Image Recorders and Recording systems: whilst some accident investigation authorities recommend to implement those systems, IFALPA/BeCA remain opposed to the installation of those recorders, for a number of reasons, including privacy issues, misinterpretation of data and their potential negative consequences on safety investigations.
• CVR Erase function: IFALPA/BeCA restate their position that a Cockpit Voice Recorder erase function must remain accessible to the crew from the flight deck on all commercial aircraft. This is essential to prevent misuse of data, e.g. publication in the media or listening to flight crew conversations by airline staff. CVR data must be used for the sole purpose of safety.
• Extension of Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) duration: Some recent reports of accident investigations have included recommendations that the CVR recording duration should be extended. However, given the numerous misuses of CVR data. IFALPA/BeCA warn that any increase in CVR duration will result in an increased risk of misuse. IFALPA/BeCA therefore believe that the information contained in the CVR should be limited to recording the current sector only.