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 “black box” 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 – and why.

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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In 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), posthumously awarded David Warren the highly regarded Edward Warner Award, “for the vision and tenacity exemplified in his conceptual work and prototype development.”  This award is recognized throughout the world as the greatest single honour the civil aviation community can bestow.

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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 David’s 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. 

Available on Kindle late 2025/early 2026
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 Warren’s father tragically died.