Originally Posted by
212man
They have been saying this for years. The report specifically mentions the 2005 Copterline 103 accident (although not by name), and the usefulness of the CVFDR in the investigation - the lack of FDR data is discussed at length in the NSB report into the ERA S76 CFIT in 2004:
http://libraryonline.erau.edu/online...s/AAR06-02.pdf (specific reference to 103 on page 57)
Originally, the mentioned S-76 accident aircraft required an FDR. The operator petitioned the FAA and was granted an exemption from FAR 135.152, to permit the company to operate the accident helicopter without an FDR. Then the FAA exempted older aircraft from the requirement by FAR amendment.