AFJROTC Commercial and General Aviation Take Off Practice Exam

What type of aviation record was mandated for airliners by the Airways Modernization Act?

1. Maintenance log

2. Flight data recorders

3. Pilot training certificates

4. Flight hours documentation

The correct answer is: Flight data recorders

The Airways Modernization Act mandated the use of flight data recorders for airliners to enhance safety and operational efficiency. These instruments, commonly known as "black boxes," are crucial as they collect vital information about the aircraft's performance and the actions of the flight crew during flight. This data can be invaluable for accident investigation and safety analysis, allowing authorities to understand what occurred during an incident and to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The integration of flight data recorders into commercial aviation represents a significant leap forward in aviation safety, establishing a standardized method for recording crucial flight parameters. This contrasts with the other options, which, while important in their own right—such as maintenance logs for tracking the upkeep of the aircraft, pilot training certificates for ensuring that pilots are qualified, and documentation of flight hours for regulatory compliance—do not specifically address the technological enhancement mandated by the act aimed at improving safety through data collection and analysis.