FAA InFO 26013 gives operators new clarity on the mandate for 25-hour cockpit voice recorders on covered existing aircraft. For Part 121 air carriers and operators of applicable N-registered transport category aircraft, the guidance reinforces the need to plan now for fleet assessment, installation resources, and CVR upgrade decisions ahead of the May 16, 2030 compliance date.
This update is intended to help operators understand the practical impact of InFO 26013, including which aircraft are covered, how the retrofit requirement applies, and what planning steps should begin now.
On August 10, 2026, the FAA released InFO 26013, an Information for Operators publication clarifying compliance expectations for existing aircraft under the 25-hour cockpit voice recorder mandate.
InFO 26013 references the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, Public Law 118-63, which requires covered aircraft to have 25-hour cockpit voice recorders installed by May 16, 2030. Covered aircraft include Part 121 air carrier aircraft and transport category aircraft designed for operation by air carriers or foreign air carriers with passenger seating configurations of 30 seats or more.
InFO 26013 explains that the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is self-enacting law, meaning the requirement is effective and enforceable regardless of whether the FAA issues additional rulemaking. After the Act was released, many operators sought clarification on how the requirement would apply to existing aircraft, commonly referred to as retrofit aircraft. InFO 26013 advises operators that any covered aircraft operating in their fleet on May 16, 2030 must be equipped with a 25-hour CVR.
KGB Aviation Solutions LLC contacted the FAA for additional clarification regarding how the requirement applies to foreign air carriers. When asked whether a foreign operator flying a covered aircraft into U.S. airspace would be required to install a 25-hour CVR under this mandate, the FAA responded that the answer was no. Foreign operators must comply with the rules applicable to the aircraft’s state of registry. As a practical result, the FAA’s clarification narrows this requirement to N-registered aircraft. However, the FAA also stated that if a foreign operator’s own regulatory authority requires a 25-hour recorder, that operator must follow those applicable requirements while operating in U.S. airspace.
The FAA concluded InFO 26013 with a recommended action: operators should assess their fleets, engage with CVR and airframe OEMs, and allocate the resources needed to comply by May 16, 2030.
The FAA also provided direct contact information for questions or comments regarding InFO 26013:
Contact: Questions or comments regarding this InFO should be directed to the Aircraft Maintenance Division at (202) 267-1675, or via email at 9-AWA-AFS-300-Correspondence@faa.gov.
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