[quote]
Originally Posted by
RAT 5
If every FDR/CVR equipped a/c and its operator was required to have the equipment fitted at manufacture then searching for tiny black boxes might be un-necessary as all the data would already be in the Ops room. If operators couldn't do it then a Google type aviation data collection company could do so. I agree, this 'only on board' data retention method is archaic and expensive when required.
SATCOM ACARS is getting close to this idea and exists. Perhaps, as suggested in my previous post, a tax on flights over water might support expanded mandatory reporting systems.