Regulations & Safety
Airbus and Acron Aviation Partner for 25 Hour CVR Upgrade Compliance
Airbus and Acron Aviation collaborate to offer airlines a certified 25-hour Cockpit Voice Recorder upgrade solution meeting new FAA and EASA mandates.
In a significant move to enhance aviation safety and regulatory compliance, aerospace leader Airbus has teamed up with Acron Aviation, a specialist in safety systems. The two giants announced a collaboration to provide airlines with a streamlined and certified upgrade solution for Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs). This partnership centers on Acron’s SRVIVR25, a next-generation CVR capable of recording 25 hours of audio, a substantial increase from the previous two-hour standard. The collaboration is a direct response to new international mandates designed to provide investigators with more comprehensive data following aviation incidents.
The push for extended recording times comes from leading aviation authorities, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Following the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, newly built aircraft are required to have 25-hour CVRs, and existing fleets must be retrofitted by 2030. This regulatory shift has created a pressing need for efficient and reliable upgrade solutions. The partnership between Airbus and Acron Aviation aims to address this demand head-on, offering a manufacturer-approved path for airlines to meet the new requirements with minimal disruption to their operations.
The collaboration leverages Acron Aviation’s technological expertise and Airbus’s vast market presence and integration experience. By selecting the SRVIVR25 as its preferred solution, Airbus provides its operators with a pre-vetted, reliable product that simplifies the complex process of avionics upgrades. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance but also underscores a shared commitment to advancing aviation safety standards across the industry.
At the heart of this partnership is the Acron Aviation SRVIVR25. This isn’t just a CVR with more storage; it’s a piece of technology designed for seamless integration and future-readiness. One of its key features is its “fit-form-function” design, which allows it to directly replace older 2-hour CVRs from any manufacturer without requiring significant modifications to the aircraft. This plug-and-play capability is a critical factor for airlines, as it drastically reduces the aircraft downtime needed for installation, a crucial consideration in an industry where every minute on the ground can be costly.
The installation and supply of the SRVIVR25 are managed through an official Airbus service bulletin. This formal process ensures that the integration with existing cockpit systems, such as audio panels, microphones, and datalink recording systems, is robust and standardized. For airlines, this means simplified maintenance, common spare parts across their fleets, and compatibility with existing ground support equipment used for data retrieval. This level of standardization is a significant operational and cost advantage.
Beyond meeting current regulations, the SRVIVR25 is engineered to be future-proof. It is aligned with the upcoming ED-112B audio standards, ensuring its long-term viability as aviation technology continues to evolve. Furthermore, certain versions of the SRVIVR25 come with an integrated Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS). This feature reduces the need for additional wiring, saving space and weight, two premium commodities on any aircraft. This thoughtful engineering demonstrates a focus not just on compliance, but on enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the aircraft.
“This collaboration with Airbus ensures operators have access to our pioneering SRVIVR25 CVR, a product that sets industry standards and is fully certified to meet the evolving regulatory landscape.” – Alan Crawford, Chief Executive Officer, Acron Aviation
The move to 25-hour CVRs is a globally coordinated effort to improve aviation safety. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and EASA have aligned their regulations with the FAA’s 2024 Reauthorization Act. The core objective is to ensure that in the event of an incident, investigators have access to a complete record of cockpit audio, which can be crucial for understanding the sequence of events. The previous two-hour loop sometimes meant that critical data from earlier phases of a flight was overwritten, particularly in incidents that unfolded over a long period.
The industry’s response to these mandates has been swift. While some airlines, like Alaska Airlines, are proactively planning fleet-wide retrofits, others are still in the early stages of planning. The 2030 deadline for retrofitting existing aircraft creates a significant market for CVR upgrades. Acron Aviation is not the only player in this space; companies like Honeywell and Curtiss-Wright are also developing 25-hour CVR solutions, signaling a competitive environment. However, the official endorsement from a major manufacturer like Airbus gives the SRVIVR25 a significant advantage for operators of Airbus aircraft. The partnership between Acron and Airbus provides a clear, streamlined path for compliance. By offering a solution that is not only technically sound but also backed by the aircraft manufacturer, the collaboration helps to de-risk the upgrade process for airlines. It simplifies procurement, guarantees compatibility, and ensures that the installation is performed to the highest standards, all of which are critical factors for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the fleet.
The collaboration between Acron Aviation and Airbus represents a critical and timely response to a major regulatory shift in the aviation industry. It’s a pragmatic solution to a complex challenge, providing airlines with a clear and efficient pathway to meet the new 25-hour CVR mandate. By combining Acron’s advanced technology with Airbus’s integration expertise and market reach, the partnership ensures that operators can enhance the safety of their aircraft without facing undue operational burdens.
Looking ahead, this move is indicative of a broader trend towards more data-driven safety measures in aviation. The ability to analyze a more complete set of data from flights will not only aid in accident investigations but also contribute to proactive safety improvements. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations in flight data recording and analysis, all aimed at making one of the world’s safest modes of transportation even safer. This partnership is a foundational step in that ongoing evolution, future-proofing fleets while meeting the compliance standards of today.
Question: What is the new regulation regarding Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs)? Question: What is the SRVIVR25? Question: Why is the partnership between Acron Aviation and Airbus significant? Sources: PR Newswire
Airbus and Acron Aviation Forge Alliance to Tackle New 25-Hour CVR Mandate
The SRVIVR25: A Technical Deep Dive into the Next-Gen Recorder
Meeting the Mandate: The Regulatory Landscape and Market Response
Conclusion: A Proactive Step for a Safer Future
FAQ
Answer: New regulations from the FAA and EASA mandate that CVRs must record for 25 hours, a significant increase from the previous 2-hour standard. Newly manufactured aircraft must comply within a year of the May 2024 FAA act, and existing aircraft must be retrofitted by 2030.
Answer: The SRVIVR25 is a 25-hour Cockpit Voice Recorder developed by Acron Aviation. It is designed as a “fit-form-function” replacement for older CVRs, simplifying installation and minimizing aircraft downtime.
Answer: Airbus has chosen Acron’s SRVIVR25 as its approved upgrade solution for its aircraft. This provides Airbus operators with a certified, streamlined, and reliable way to comply with the new 25-hour CVR regulations, managed through an official Airbus service bulletin.
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation
Regulations & Safety
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Runway Excursion at Mogadishu Airport
A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 skidded off the runway during emergency landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport; all 55 aboard safe with minor injuries.
This article summarizes reporting by ABC News / Associated Press and Omar Faruk.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a passenger aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation suffered a significant runway excursion during an emergency landing at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu, Somalia. According to reporting by the Associated Press, the aircraft skidded off the runway and came to a rest on the sandy shoreline of the Indian Ocean.
Despite the severity of the crash landing, which resulted in the detachment of the aircraft’s right wing, authorities have confirmed that there were no fatalities among the passengers and crew.
The flight, identified as a domestic service operated by a Fokker 50 turboprop, departed Mogadishu in the early afternoon. Conflicting reports from local sources suggest the flight was bound for either Guriel or Galkayo. Approximately 15 minutes after departure, the flight crew declared an emergency due to a suspected technical malfunction, specifically citing engine failure, and requested an immediate return to Aden Adde International Airport.
According to verified details released by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the pilots attempted to land on Runway 05/23. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft failed to stop within the designated tarmac area.
SCAA Director General Ahmed Moalim Hassan provided a statement regarding the sequence of events:
“The pilot tried to land the aircraft back in Mogadishu, but after touchdown, he was unable to maintain control.”
, Ahmed Moalim Hassan, SCAA Director General (via AP/Local Media)
The aircraft subsequently breached the airport’s perimeter fence and slid onto the adjacent beach. Emergency services, including airport fire crews, responded immediately to evacuate the aircraft. While the Associated Press initially reported “up to 50” people on board, updated reports indicate a total manifest of 55 people, comprised of 50 passengers and 5 crew members. All were evacuated safely, with only minor injuries reported. The aircraft involved is a Fokker 50, a turboprop commonly used for regional flights in East Africa. The operator, Starsky Aviation (formerly known as Starsom Air), is a Mogadishu-based carrier founded in 2013. The airline utilizes a fleet primarily consisting of Fokker 50 and Embraer aircraft for domestic passenger and cargo logistics.
Images circulating from the scene depict the aircraft resting on the sand with substantial structural damage, including a severed right wing. Airport officials noted that preventing a post-impact fire was a primary concern given the fuel load and the crash site’s proximity to the water.
Aden Adde International Airport is geographically unique, with its primary runway running parallel to the Indian Ocean coastline. This layout leaves little margin for error during runway excursions. As noted in historical data regarding the airport, this is not an isolated event.
While the survival of all 55 occupants is a testament to the durability of the airframe and the quick response of rescue teams, this incident reinforces concerns regarding operations at Aden Adde International Airport. The recurrence of runway excursions ending on the beach suggests that environmental factors, such as coastal wind shear, combined with aging turboprop fleets, present persistent risks.
The Fokker 50 has long been a workhorse in Somali aviation, but the frequency of hull-loss incidents involving this type in the region may prompt increased regulatory scrutiny regarding maintenance standards and pilot training for emergency return scenarios.
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Veers Off Runway in Mogadishu; All 55 Aboard Safe
Incident Overview and Timeline
Aircraft and Airline Background
Context: A History of Shoreline Excursions
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: X
Regulations & Safety
NJASAP Supports H.R. 7148 Enhancing FAA Funding and Aviation Safety
NJASAP applauds H.R. 7148 for securing FAA funding, staffing increases, and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen U.S. aviation safety and stability.
This article is based on an official press release from the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).
The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the independent labor union representing more than 3,700 pilots who fly for NetJets Aviation, Inc., has issued a formal statement applauding the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026, the legislation secures full-year funding for the federal government, averting the operational risks associated with government shutdowns.
According to the union’s statement, the passage of H.R. 7148 represents a critical victory for the stability of the National Airspace System (NAS). NJASAP leadership highlighted that the bill not only ensures continuous operation of essential agencies but also directs significant resources toward modernizing avionics infrastructure and addressing long-standing staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A primary focus of the NJASAP’s praise centers on the specific financial allocations designed to bolster the FAA’s operational capacity. The union noted that the legislation provides $13.71 billion for FAA operations, a figure intended to stabilize the agency’s day-to-day functions.
In its release, NJASAP emphasized the importance of the bill’s provisions for workforce expansion. The legislation funds the hiring of approximately 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This surge in staffing is aimed at mitigating the persistent shortages that have strained the air traffic control system, contributed to delays, and reduced safety margins across the network.
Additionally, the bill allocates resources for 54 additional aviation safety inspectors. NJASAP views these hires as essential for maintaining rigorous oversight within the industry.
Beyond operational staffing, the union highlighted the bill’s investment in physical and technological infrastructure. The Consolidated Appropriations Act allocates $4 billion to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). According to the press release, these funds are designated for replacing aging radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as upgrading navigation and surveillance systems.
The union also drew attention to a $100 million allocation for the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine. This funding is targeted at modernizing technology systems to reduce the backlog in pilot medical certifications, a bureaucratic bottleneck that has historically kept qualified pilots grounded for extended periods. On the policy front, NJASAP celebrated the inclusion of language explicitly prohibiting the privatization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The union has long opposed privatization efforts, arguing that the NAS must remain a public asset accountable to safety standards rather than profit motives.
Capt. Pedro Leroux, President of NJASAP, commented on the significance of the legislation in the official release:
“Congress has taken a decisive step to protect the safety and continuity of the National Airspace System by passing a full-year appropriation that prioritizes modernization, staffing and FAA readiness. As professional aviators who rely on these systems every day, we commend lawmakers for recognizing that airspace safety and stability are not optional, but are fundamental to the U.S. aviation industry.”
While the funding measures in H.R. 7148 benefit the entire aviation sector, they hold specific relevance for NetJets pilots. Unlike commercial airline pilots who primarily operate between major hubs with robust support infrastructure, fractional pilots frequently fly into a vast network of smaller, regional airports. The $4 billion investment in the Airport Improvement Program is therefore critical for maintaining safety standards at the diverse range of airfields utilized by business aviation.
Furthermore, the stability provided by a full-year appropriations bill is vital for long-term planning. Stop-gap funding measures often freeze training pipelines; by securing funding through the fiscal year, the FAA can proceed with the training of the 2,500 new controllers without interruption, a key factor in reducing system-wide congestion.
NJASAP Commends Congress on H.R. 7148 Passage, Citing Safety and Stability Wins
Strengthening FAA Operations and Staffing
Addressing the Controller Shortage
Infrastructure and Policy Protections
Aeromedical Reform and Privatization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
Regulations & Safety
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Garmin’s GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude device, gains FAA approval for over 500 certified aircraft models, enhancing general aviation safety.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin has announced that its GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude monitoring device, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. Previously available only for the experimental market, this certification allows the installation of the device in over 500 models of Class I and Class II certified aircraft.
The approval marks a significant shift in the accessibility of radar altimetry for general aviation pilots. According to the company, the GHA 15 is available immediately at a price of $2,695. This pricing strategy positions the device as a cost-effective alternative to traditional radar altimeters, which have historically been priced significantly higher and reserved for business jets or commercial airliners.
The GHA 15 is designed to provide pilots with precise Height Above Ground Level (AGL) readings during the critical final phases of flight. While standard barometric altimeters rely on air pressure and can be subject to calibration errors or terrain variations, the GHA 15 uses radio frequency technology to measure the actual distance between the aircraft and the ground.
Garmin states that the device is capable of providing AGL data from 500 feet down to the surface. The system integrates with the Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument to display altitude data and generate audible callouts directly to the pilot’s headset. These callouts, such as “50 feet,” “20 feet,” and “10 feet”, are user-configurable and intended to assist pilots in judging flare height and landing timing.
“The GHA 15 provides a cost-effective solution that helps reduce pilot workload and provides confidence during the approach and landing phases of flight.”
, Garmin Press Release
The unit is a compact, all-in-one module that mounts to the underside of the aircraft fuselage. Weighing less than one pound (approximately 0.45 kg), the device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, minimizing the structural impact of installation. According to the technical details released by Garmin, the GHA 15 offers the following accuracy levels:
The FAA STC covers a broad range of single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft (Class I and Class II). This includes popular general aviation airframes such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20 series. To function, the GHA 15 must be interfaced with a Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument. For experimental aircraft, the device remains compatible with the G3X Touch flight display.
The certification of the GHA 15 represents a notable development in the “democratization” of avionics safety features. Historically, radar altimeters (such as the Garmin GRA 55) have cost upwards of $7,000, placing them out of reach for the average private pilot. By offering a certified “Height Advisor” for under $3,000, Garmin is effectively bridging the gap between recreational flying and professional-grade situational awareness. We believe this technology will be particularly valuable in three specific scenarios:
It is important to note the distinction Garmin makes by labeling this product a “Height Advisor” rather than a TSO-certified radar altimeter. While it provides similar functionality, it is intended for advisory purposes and does not replace the higher-end equipment required for complex instrument approaches like CAT II or CAT III landings.
Sources: Garmin
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Bringing Radar Altimetry to General Aviation
Technical Specifications and Accuracy
Installation and Compatibility
AirPro News Analysis: The Democratization of Safety Tech
Sources
Photo Credit: Garmin
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