<P> A flight recorder is an electronic recording device placed in an aircraft for the purpose of facilitating the investigation of aviation accidents and incidents . Flight recorders are also known by the misnomer black box--they are actually bright orange to aid in their recovery after accidents . </P> <P> The flight data recorder (FDR) is a device that preserves the recent history of the flight through the recording of dozens of parameters collected several times per second . The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) preserves the recent history of the sounds in the cockpit, including the conversation of the pilots . The two recorders give an accurate testimony, narrating the aircraft's flight history, to assist in any later investigation . </P>

What is the purpose of the black box on a plane