Considering EWIS Initial Training
Over the years there have been a number of in-flight smoke and fire events where contaminants ignited by electrical faults allowed the fire to be sustained and spread. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have conducted aircraft inspections and found wiring contaminated with items such as dust, dirt, metal shavings, lavatory waste water, coffee, soft drinks, and napkins. Sometimes wire bundles and surrounding areas have been found to be completely covered with dust.
In recent years both the FAA & Industry have realized that current maintenance practices may not be enough to address aging non-structural systems. Over time, insulation can crack or breach, thus exposing the conductor.
While age is not the sole cause of wire degradation, the likelihood remains of EWIS damage from inadequate maintenance, contamination, improper repair, or mechanical damage increases over time.
Examples of bad practice include the piercing (needling) wires to test continuity or voltage, or using a metal wire or rod as a guide to feed new wires. These practices could cause a breach in the wiring insulation that can contribute to arcing.
Research has demonstrated that wiring can be harmed by collateral damage when maintenance is being performed on other aircraft systems. For example, a person performing an inspection of an electrical power centre or avionics compartment may inadvertently cause damage to wiring in an adjacent area. Aviation Accident Investigators have specifically cited the need for improved training of personnel to ensure adequate recognition and repair of potentially unsafe wiring conditions.
TWA 800 accident 1996 – Fuel Tank Explosion believed caused by a wiring fault.
Following investigations into TWA 800 Fuel Tank Ignition and Flammability Reduction initiative* (SFAR-88) was implemented this initiative ran alongside of the ATSRAC investigation process.
* Complementary - but separate initiatives, Note however ATSRAC tasking included understanding of wiring induced failures that may also be potential ignition sources in fuel tank system installations.
ATSRAC spent two years investigating core issues which were issued as reports and a further two years to move the reports into rulemaking developing AC’s Advisory Circulars.
ATSRAC established to coordinate aging systems’ initiatives with the FAA. This process also incorporated the Air Transport Association’s (ATA) ageing system task force (ASTF) activities into ATSRAC. ATSRAC observe evidence of ageing effects in airplane wiring installations accumulating in aircraft going back to 1960’s.
Recommendations include requirements to change SWPM information, Inspection Criteria and Training and include a new term EWIS.
EWIS Initial and Recurrent training courses are available either classroom based with Sofema Aviation Services or as online training through SofemaOnline.com
SofemaOnline EWIS Initial training is available here for 117.50 USD per delegate and includes voice over.
About this course
Course type: Presentation with voice over
Approximate duration: up to 14 hours training
Category: EWIS
Price: 117.50 USD
You can also benefit from our discounts for multiple enrollments.
If you have any questions regarding SofemaOnline please email us at online@sassofia.com
