What is one primary function of the Deployable Fight Incident Record Set (DFIRS)?

• A. Retrieving and storing flight data
• B. Real-time weather updates
• C. Engine fault detection
• D. Communication with the LSO

Answer: (A)

DFIRS is a portable, deployable data-collection and record-keeping tool designed to capture and preserve flight-related information for later use. Its primary function is to retrieve and store flight data so crews and analysts can review what happened after a mission or incident, supporting accurate debriefs, safety investigations, and trend analysis. This kind of data archive is essential for reconstructing events, validating procedures, and ensuring accountability, even if real-time data links aren’t available. Real-time weather updates, engine fault detection, and communications with the LSO are handled by other systems and channels, not by this data-recording tool, which is why retrieving and storing flight data is the best fit for its main purpose.