EASA has issued a Notice of Proposed Amendment that would require flight recorders in some categories of commercially operated light aircraft and voluntary installation in all other light aircraft. If approved, a final rule could be issued by the end of 2018. The European agency said it is issuing the proposed rule to achieve “harmonization” with omnibus standards governing commercial operations under ICAO Annex 6.

The proposed requirement would apply to light fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters manufactured and operated within three years after rule adoption. It would mandate recorders in turbine aircraft with an mtow greater than 2,250 kg (4,960 pounds) or with more than nine passenger seats not already covered by requirements for a data recorder.

According to EASA, the recorder must provide data/images sufficient to determine flight path and aircraft speed and be able to retain data/images for at least 10 hours. It also must be automatically activated and shut off before and after the conclusion of aircraft movement.

The proposed rule contains privacy protections for flight crews when recorders contain image or voice recording features, with mandates that data be de-identified, used for maintenance and airworthiness purposes only, or disclosed under secure procedures and used only for maintaining and improving safety.