Page:CAB Accident Report, United Air Lines Flight 823.pdf/18

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Mr. Leon H. Tanguay Director, Bureau of Safety Civil Aeronautics Board Washington, D. C. 20428

Dear Mr. Tanguay:

This refers to your letter of December 17, 1963, reference B-1-96, regarding impact damage to the Lockheed 109-C flight data recorder installed in the Pan American World Airways B-707, N709PA, aircraft which crashed near Elkton, Maryland, on December 8, 1963, and our letter of acknowledgment dated January 2, 1964.

With respect to the Lockheed 109-C recorder, we are exploring what action can be taken to improve the crash resistance properties of this recorder. Consideration is being given to modifications for strengthening the record holder and the latches. If such modifications can be reasonably accomplished, we will study the possibility of a retrofit program by the airlines.

In addition, a project has been established to revise Technical Standard Order C51 to improve the performance standards related to crash resistance of recorders. We anticipate a notice of proposed rule making on this project by October 1, 1964.

The Agency also has two other related programs under way which can be expected to provide further useful information. One of these is an evaluation of tail-mounted recorders. The results will serve as a basis in considering future revisions to the installation requirements. The other program involves the development of an improved flight data recorder. It includes consideration of the greatly increased crash survivability capabilities which you recommend in this and previous correspondence.

We hope that this explains adequately the Federal Aviation Agency activities in the area of flight data recorders.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Edward C. Hodson

For George S. Moore Director Flight Standards Service