Union Ministry of Civil Aviation inaugurated a state-of-the-art Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder (DFDR & CVR) Laboratory, also known as the “Black Box Lab”, at Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) headquarters in Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Key Features of Lab
- Investment for Establishing: ₹9 crore
- Support by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Located at: AAIB, Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi
- Status: India now has one of the most advanced avionics analysis facilities globally
Functions of Lab:
- Repair & retrieve data from damaged black boxes (DFDR & CVR)
- Correlate data from Cockpit Voice Recorder, Radar, and Flight Data Recorder for accurate accident analysis
- Enable design changes and updates to operational procedures to prevent future accidents
- Boost India’s air safety investigation and accident prevention capabilities
Strategic Significance:
- Fulfills India’s obligations as a member state of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- Built to international standards, comparable to facilities in developed nations
- Supports India’s aviation vision of expanding to 350–400 airports and developing indigenous aircraft and helicopter manufacturing
- Strengthens India’s position as a global aviation safety leader
About Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
- Location: Udaan Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi
- Function: Investigates aircraft accidents and incidents in India
- Investigated over 150+ accidents, including the Air India Express Flight 1344 crash (2020)
- Operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation
About ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
Type: UN Specialized Agency
Established: 4 April 1947
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Role:
- Coordinates international air navigation principles and protocols
- Develops air transport standards
- Defines accident investigation guidelines followed by signatory countries
- Ensures safe and orderly global aviation growth