Black Box by Janice Peterson Witham is the only book to focus on the dramatic true story of the development of the cockpit voice recorder, known as one of the âblack boxâ flight recorders.
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David Warren is the inventor of the cockpit voice recorder, hailed as one of the most significant safety devices in aviation history. The steel box, painted orange despite its name, holds clues to an otherwise mysterious cause of an aircraft crash. As observers, we are fascinated because it can hold secrets. We want to know what happened â and why.
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The cockpit voice recorder forever changed the methods by which air accidents are investigated, and continues to contribute to air safety worldwide. Read the story from concept to its contribution today.
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To David, it all seemed so simple. An aircraft crash without survivors could still have a voice. Clues to the cause could be preserved on a simple device in the cockpit, recording everything the pilots said and heard. But not everyone agreed, and the surprising indifference was devastating.
Black Box follows Davidâs motivation along with his increasing frustration due to bureaucratic hesitancy and lack of official support at the most critical time. It is a turning and twisting journey of controversy, disaster, revelation and eventual success.Â
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In 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), posthumously awarded David Warren the highly regarded Edward Warner Award, âfor the vision and tenacity exemplified in his conceptual work and prototype development.â This award is recognized throughout the world as the greatest single honour the civil aviation community can bestow.
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More information on the Edward Warner Award
Available on Kindle Sept 2025
Black Box e-book features updated biographical notes and an all-new chapter on the possible causes of the aircraft crash of the de Havilland DH.86 Miss Hobart in 1934, in which David Warrenâs father tragically died.
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Black Box reveals the growing pains of a new and revolutionary idea, including Davidâs âeureka momentâ of clarity when, in 1953, his breakthrough in thought concluded with: âWhat if every aircraft carried some kind of recording device in the cockpit?âÂ
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Available now on Amazon“Witham has done a creditable job of drawing together all the technical and political strands in this fascinating story. Rounding off Witham’s informative and important work are chapters on the value of CVRs in accident investigation, and brief synopses of accidents that were landmarks in the advancement of (CVR) usage. An index is another useful adjunct to this compelling story of one man and his drive to create … what is today one of the most important tools in aviation safety investigation and research.”
- Airways Magazine, 2010
Author Janice Peterson Witham was featured in a segment of Episode 6 of Inventions that Shook the World. The Black Box Recorder is described as “aircraft crash investigators get a foolproof witness that rides in a Black Box with the crew.”
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Discovery Channel: Inventions that Shook the World
Episode 6: 1950’s Black Box Recorder (clip from 27mins 05 seconds)
Janice Witham has painstakingly recorded the long story of David Warrens’ remarkable contribution, not only to Australian aviation, but to aviation safety throughout the world. It is a fascinating human story – one that holds lessons for all right-minded Australians.
- Macarthur Job, author of Air Disaster Vol 1,2,3 and other aviation related titles
