So... just to clarify Cobra.. there's more than one recorder? One's a Flight Data Recording, which records everything the mechanical aspects of the aircraft were doing... button presses, pilot input, altitude, speeds, (vectors?) etc.. and then there's the Voice Recorder, which records all the sounds and conversations etc in the cockpit? Or is that over simplified?
Yeah, the FDR and CVR are all digital nowadays (compared to 1960s and 70s era, with foil tape and needles scratching into it for the FDR, and a continuous-loop magentic tape-- like an old 8-track cassette -- that had about 30 minutes of recording time).
You're spot on RE: the FDR - And, even more than you mentioned. LOTS of data points can be monitored, and recorded. (You've no doubt already learned of the ACARS transmissions that routinely send "Status Reports", too). Also nowadays, just about every airliner also has a QAR (Quick Access Recorder) which we call a "snitch"...this could also be called an "FDR-lite". Its data is regularly downloaded by the avionics specialists in the Maintenance Department. Then, it is checked for any "gotchas" such as flap limit overspeeds, unstabilized approaches, etc. This info is part of an airline's "Continuing Maintenance Program" (or some similar terminology) and it is designed to lower costs (of course) due to the increased monitoring.
Particularly egregious excursions from SOPs are flagged....usually "de-identified" (but this is per a Collective Bargaining Agreement, and will vary from company to company). This "de-identified" data is often used in annual refresher training ("re-current training") whenever a 'trend' is seen.
Also, SOPs are sometimes altered, due to observed 'trends'. Of course, if a really bad violation has occurred, then in concurrence with the Union, the responsible crew are called in, and either disciplined, and/or given "extra" training. The FAA can also take administrative action.
...and then there's the Voice Recorder, which records all the sounds and conversations etc in the cockpit?
When you get a chance to read an NTSB accident report (for example) and the CVR transcript, you will see acronyms like "CAM"....that is 'Cockpit Area Microphone'. Yes, that is one thing recorded by the CVR....also, all of the audio channels (VHF Comm #1 and #2...and #3 if installed ...HF #1 and #2, etc)....and the Interphone(**)...that's the way to communicate within the jet (Flight Deck to cabin, and within the cabin, F/A to F/A....and we, of course, can monitor that on one of our audio channels....when I was particularly bored, I'd have that in my earpiece, and also to have a hint about what was going on "back there"), and to the ground crew when they have headsets plugged in....and of course, all PAs are recorded too.
(**)BTW, next time you fly, note the chimes in the cabin. The two-tone "Bing-Bong" doorbell sound is the Interphone call. You will also see lights in the ceiling...pink (IIRC) is the Interphone, within the cabin. Blue means the cockpit is calling. A single chime (if not a seatbelt sign turning on or off) is a passenger call from the PSU above their seat...white (unless they're in the Lav....which, of course, is ......
yellow!
PPS- The colors might vary between companies, per their preferences. But, yellow never changes!