Section 4. Recorders

1. USE OF RECORDERS

1. Air traffic facilities must record operational communications to the maximum extent practicable.
2. Air traffic facilities must record emergency response notifications by telephone or communication lines to the maximum extent practicable.
3. Record at each operating position to include all data transmitted and/or received via radio, telephone, VSCS, or automated means such as Mode S, Data Link, and satellite. Facility management must advise operating positions when the recording equipment associated with these positions is not operating or otherwise unavailable for recording. Facility management must then ensure that a written record, or equivalent, to the extent possible, is made for all IFR clearances.
4. If combined positions are periodically split into individual positions, record them on separate channels when so used.
5. Supervisors must ensure that the proper FAA/telephone company (TELCO) “jacks” are used to obtain the required recording at facilities with dual capability.
6. Use a separate channel on each recorder to record time at facilities with time‐announce systems. Where these systems have not been installed, a spare receiver tuned to a time transmitting station may be used. DALR and NVR systems automatically time stamp all recordings, which eliminates the need to record time on a separate channel.
7. Operational voice recorders must be provided a time source.
8. Except as noted in paragraph 3-4-2, Assignment of Recorder Channels, record with regard to the position in lieu of the function. All headset audio on a position must be recorded on a single channel. In facilities so equipped, all FAA-speaker audio must be recorded on the “radio only” jack channel. If a “radio only” jack is not available, another channel may be used.
9. Recording more than one time source on any recorder is prohibited.
10. Recorders may be used to monitor any position for evaluation, training, or quality control purposes.
11. Air traffic managers should develop procedures to ensure that frequencies are not recorded when facilities are officially closed.

1. ASSIGNMENT OF RECORDER CHANNELS

1. Assign position recording channels in the following order of priority:

1. ARTCCs:

1. Radar controller.
2. Sector controller.
3. Radar handoff controller.
4. Radio controller.
5. Coordinator.
6. Supervisor.
7. Traffic Manager.
8. Flight data.
9. Data systems coordinator.
10. Mission coordinator.
11. AMIS controller.

1. Terminals:

1. Arrival control.
2. Departure control.
3. Local control.
4. Precision approach radar.
5. Clearance delivery.
6. Ground control.
7. Inbound flight data.
8. Outbound flight data.
9. Direction-finding.
10. Supervisory.
11. Automatic terminal information services (ATIS) - air traffic managers must designate a channel to record ATIS when a separate channel is not available. Record the ATIS message once at the time of preparation on the designated channel. Make a written record of each ATIS and retain for 45 days if a recorded channel is not available.

1. FSSs:

1. Inflight.
2. Preflight.
3. Flight data.
4. Supervisory.

1. ATCSCC:

1. National Operations Manager (NOM).
2. National Traffic Management Officer (NTMO).
3. National Traffic Management Specialist (NTMS) operating position.

1. You may use existing remaining spare recording channels to record the primary radio frequencies of positions using the same priority stated above.

1. CHECKING AND CHANGING RECORDING EQUIPMENT

1. At En Route facilities and the ATCSCC, Technical Operations personnel must be responsible for checking the DALR or NVR system for alarm conditions.

1. At terminal and flight service facilities:

1. Where recorders are not convenient to operating quarters, the facility air traffic manager and the Technical Operations local manager must develop an agreement assigning the responsibility for checking the DALR or NVR system for alarm conditions.
2. Where recorders are convenient to operating quarters, air traffic personnel must perform recorder checks for alarm conditions.
3. At Federal Contract Flight Service Stations, engineering staff will monitor the operational status of all audio recording equipment.

1. If air traffic personnel check and change tapes, DATs, or DALRs, the facility air traffic manager must ensure that personnel are trained in the proper methods to be used.
2. Recorder operational checks on voice recorder systems must be performed daily and must not exceed 26 hours between checks.

1. On a daily basis (not to exceed 26 hours), validate that the DALR or NVR system is not in alarm condition.
2. Indicate accomplishments of checks on FAA Form 7230-4, Facility Record of Operation.

1. Perform operational checks on DALR or NVR systems.

1. At facilities using DALR: On a daily basis (not to exceed 26 hours), validate the Castle Rock SNMPc window for the alarms, and verify normal operation of the DALR system.

1. At facilities using NVR: On a daily basis (not to exceed 26 hours), validate the NICE Inform Health Manager (IHM) window for the alarms, and verify normal operation of the NVR system.

1. Document the accomplishment of the check on FAA Form 7230-4, Facility Record of Operation.

1. AUDIO DATA RETENTION

1. Ensure that the DALR and NVR default audio retention period is set for 45 days.
2. When voice recordings are saved as an Organizer incident or to external media, the following retention requirements apply:

1. Accidents: Retain the voice recordings in accordance with FAA Order JO 8020.16, Air Traffic Organization Aircraft Accident and Incident Notification, Investigation, and Reporting.
2. Incidents: Retain the voice recordings in accordance with FAA Order JO 8020.16, Air Traffic Organization Aircraft Accident and Incident Notification, Investigation, and Reporting; and FAA Order 1350.14, Records Management.
3. Hijacking: Retain all relevant voice recordings of hijackings from the time communication commences with the aircraft until communication has terminated. After 3 years, contact System Safety and Procedures for the release of the DALR or NVR audio files. In every case, a release from System Safety and Procedures is required to delete the hijack DALR or NVR audio files.
4. Tarmac Delay: When a facility is notified that an aircraft has or may have exceeded the “Three/Four-Hour Tarmac Rule,” retain voice recordings relevant to the event for 1 year.

1. For facilities using a different voice recorder than the DALR or NVR, the procedures and media will vary but the recordings must follow the same retention period requirements.