I agree. I think the FAA knows that if they ever went after CVR/FDR data on the sole basis of assessing a violation to a crewmember, the ramifications of such an act would be huge, and we would be taking a big step backward in using such devices as a safety tool.

Best way to fix the situation is to punch the other pilot in the face if you catch them doing that sh*t.
Which doesn't really happen. Which is why I think these clowns are most oftne the single pilot cargo guys.

Getting the CVR tapes would be beside the point. In the past the FAA has gone after both pilot certificates for the actions of one pilot, such as flying formation in a commercial airplane. In the eyes of the FAA an FO’s silence is acquiescence.

FAA has nothing to do with it in this case. It would be federal law enforcement. Whatever protections, by policy or precedent, may or may not apply to the FAA use of the CVR it is utterly not applicable to law enforcement.

Of course once law enforcement got a conviction, an FAA violation would presumably follow based on that alone.

The data can still be recovered by the feds. Easily :rolleyes:

The erase button just adds additional proof that you knew you were guilty of something.

Yeah single-wipe recovery is super easy. That's not the point though.
Them going to such lengths would set a precedent that would ruin aviation safety forever.

That’s why I don’t leave home without my rare earth magnets.

Your severely overestimating to the clearing of red tape that the bureaucracy known as the United States Federal Government is riddled with. Again, even if all the stars aligned and you found the right airplane - how is a "meow" on 121.5 considered a criminal act? That would never hold up, it appears these days actual felonies can't hold up in court. On their worst day, the Meower is looking at a civil penalty.

... and possible loss of their FCC license.

Meowwwwwwwwwwwww

So you think assault is an acceptable reprimand for FCC violations? You must be a peach to fly with.

They woudn't go to the trouble just for a slap on the wrist. If (and it's a big if) they decided to go to the trouble to address this they would determine what they needed to do to make the max impact (ie send the message). They obviously cannot infract every violator, so they would would want to make one, or perhaps a couple, of very big examples.

Likely it would be something like criminal charges, then a plea deal to surrender all FAA and FCC certs. First time offender wouldn't be going to jail, but nobody wants a federal conviction for anything either.

If I had an FO do it, I would tell them not to. One. Second time I would tell the company I needed a new FO (or CA for that matter).

“meow” bandit(s)"

I love it!

It’s most common on the east coast around Charlotte and DC... I bounce from coast to coast and down to Central America. Lots of “bored” manline Pilots down south and around the world (was on the 330 before upgrade) but none of the meowing and low on the other idiocy once you are away from that area.

How about a "bark" or a "wuff" every once in a while? Or maybe a Sean Connery accent or some Rick Flair?

No creativity. Pilot nerds.

Or the phantom clucker

I heard Chewbacca once...

I need more information

I'm not going to mansplain to you. :D

That's sexist, transphobic and every other LGBTQXYZ-phobic insult. How dare you assume their gender or lack of such.

If you're bored, just be a normal pilot and take a nap or watch Netflix.