EASAOnline.com looks at Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS) together with the role of the Aircraft Inspector

Since August 2008 EASA has required Aircraft Inspectors to be trained in accordance with the provision to be found in AMC20-22

Aircraft inspection is normally performed by competent staff and such Inspectors are typically licensed aircraft engineers. Once qualified, they will gain the organization's approval and will be allowed also to certify General Visual Inspections, Detailed Inspections and EWIS Inspections.

What is a General Visual Inspection (GVI)?

The term GVI, when associated with Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems, is a visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or irregularity based on a non-compliance or non-conformity with the standard configuration.

It is acknowledged that one of the weak areas in the maintenance chain is the effectiveness of the Inspection Process and the mitigation for this weakness will be found in the development of training programs.

Note that:

Whilst there is a requirement for EWIS training, there is no specific requirement for inspection training - it is left for the organization to manage. Training within Maintenance organisations is an ongoing process and needs to be managed for the optimum balance between organizational benefit and the employees' specific needs.

EWIS Maintenance Procedures

In general, EWIS maintenance procedures and practices should be built around the following slogan, which requires the highest exposure: the “protect and clean as you go” housekeeping philosophy. To put it in other words, we should ensure protection of wire bundles and connectors before work commences as well as that any shavings, swarf, debris or other contaminates are removed at the earliest opportunity.

What is a Stand-Alone General Visual Inspection? 

Aircraft Inspectors are taught that a Stand-Alone General Visual Inspection is performed separate to a GVI within the same Zone even where the interval coincides with the requirement for a zonal inspection.

Driven by the requirements of MSG 3 the Stand-Alone GVI is an essential element of the EWIS Inspection process. Specific requirements which address the need for and management of in-service training of inspectors are essentially the direct responsibility of the organization required to perform EWIS inspection.  Whilst it deals with EWIS requirements, Inspection training in general is beneficial.

Together with the training requirements, which the organization should consider, it should also make sure that technical personnel is fully aware that aircraft EWIS must be maintained to the same high standard as other aviation systems.

In 2001, changes regarding what constitutes a General Visual Inspection were implemented by ATA (the American Transport Association). The correct practice requires the Aircraft Inspector to be within touching distance of the item under inspection. During visual inspections, the Aircraft Inspectors should recognize that there are limitations to the effectiveness of the inspection particularly with small gauge wiring where cracked insulation may not always be apparent.

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