Flight Data Recorder question

[John Wayne]

This may seem like a dumb question, but when is the flight data recorder turned on?

Like for example, would the flight data recorder be turned on if there crew is going to perform a ground run-up only?

 

[tech2101]

This may seem like a dumb question, but when is the flight data recorder turned on?

Like for example, would the flight data recorder be turned on if there crew is going to perform a ground run-up only?

Maybe.

 

[RDU Jetblast]

It is on whenever the circuit breaker is closed.

Just like the voice recorder.

There are arguments to leave them on and off for ground run ups. If there is an incident, both boxes become evidence that may exonerate or hang the person in charge.

 

[John Wayne]

Thanks.