Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct? 1. They carry a beacon emit…

Question

Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct?

1. They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection.

2. They record both the cockpit voice and flight data.

3. Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium.

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only (Correct answer)
3. C. 1 and 2 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer

Option B — B

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option B.

Key Points

• Statement 2 is correct: an aircraft 'black box' is actually two recorders — the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) — capturing crew audio and hundreds of flight parameters.
• Statement 3 is correct: the crash-survivable memory unit is armoured in stainless steel or titanium to withstand impact, fire and deep-sea pressure.
• Statement 1 is incorrect, and is the key: a black box carries an Underwater Locator Beacon that emits an ultrasonic (acoustic) 'ping', not red light pulses. It is triggered by water contact and pings for about 30 days.
• despite the name, black boxes are painted bright orange for visibility; the acoustic beacon is what helps locate them underwater.

Exam Tip

• the trap is the beacon — it is a sound (ultrasonic) pinger, not a light.
• Any 'emits light underwater' claim is the false statement.