much as you would a usb memory stick. >> reporter: your success rating getting the information off is good. >> yes, we've always been able to uncover the information from the recorders we've received. >> reporter: he is a measured, cautious man. prerequisites for a job that involves not just knowledge but patience, lots of patience. >> from the flight data recorder, we obtain a raw data file. which contains just 1s and 0s. >> reporter: the boxes contain a wealth of information. up to 2,000 separate pieces from the data recorder alone. high technology built into a waterproof, fireproof, shock proof shell. at the end of this complex train of information and analysis can be this, an animated representation a tragedy. this one from a 2010 training flight. two dead after a simulated engine failure went wrong. >> a lot of the symmetry which couldn't be controlled and the aircraft ended up impacting the terrain, unfortunately.