A speech recognition system and a personal speech profile data (PSPD) storage device that is physically distinct from the speech recognition system are provided. In the speech recognition system, a PSPD interface receives voice training data, which is associated with an individual and the operating conditions of an aircraft, from the PSPD storage device. A speech input module produces a digital speech signal derived from an utterance made by a system user. A speech processing module accesses voice training data stored on the PSPD storage device through the PSPD interface, and executes a speech processing algorithm that analyzes the digital speech signal using the voice training data, in order to identify one or more recognized terms from the digital speech signal. A command processing module initiates execution of various applications based on the recognized terms. Embodiments may be implemented in various types of host systems, including an aircraft cockpit-based system.