July 15, 2011

sasadmin

It is the Operators and Maintenance Organisation Responsibility to comply with the requirements of  Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems working practices and procedures including specifically EWIS training.

For details concerning the requirements of EWIS training please see AMC 20-22.  Sofema Aviation Services offer a 3 Day in company Training to allow you to manage and deliver your own EWIS training to ensure compliance with the requirements of AMC 20-22.

The origins of the requirement for EWIS Training go back to a number of incidents which have had a catastrophic effect on the industry with instances of in-flight smoke and fire events in which contaminants were ignited by electrical faults, which allowed a fire to be sustained and spread. Considerable research was conducted by The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) together with the European Stake holders.

The outcomes were conclusive and determined the specific need for EWIS Training for example during examination of a number of aircraft, wiring was found to be contaminated with items such as dust, dirt, metal shavings, lavatory waste water, coffee, soft drinks, and napkins. On occasion wire bundles and surrounding areas have been found to be completely covered with dust.

EASA the FAA & Industry have realized that current maintenance practices may not be enough to address aging non-structural systems.

EWIS Questions and Answers

Where is the information concerning the Operator and Maintainer requirements?

AMC 20-21 and AMC 20-22 detailed the both the inspection requirements which need to be trained and the training requirements for the for the different groups.

Some aeroplane types are explicitly excluded from the similar FAA rule (FAR 26.11(g)). Are these types also excluded from EASA requirements?

Comment from EASA  – No, EASA does not have a “pre-defined” list of excluded aeroplane types (similar to FAR 26.11(g)). On a case-by-case basis, the TC Holders for the affected aeroplanes may ask the Agency to accept a non-compliance with EWIS ICA requirements.

Is EWIS ICA training mandatory?

Many maintenance organizations are confused regarding the need for compliance.

Response from EASA Yes The Agency believe, however that 145.A30(h) and its associated AMC together with AMC 145.A.30(e) paragraph 2 should already address the maintenance of staff competence standards.

The believe of EASA is that it is the responsibility of the organization to manage compliance with regulatory requirements and to deliver management of organisational competencies.

When are operators required to comply with the requirements of EWIS ICA (Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness)?

Comment from EASA The applicability dates will be 10 December 2009 for the TC holders and 12 months after the publication of the revised ICA for the operators.

Where Can I read further about Compliance and Implementation issues?

The following links provide additional guidance information:

http://easa.europa.eu/certification/faq/EWIS-ICA-requirements-FAQ.php

http://easa.europa.eu/rulemaking/docs/crd/2007/CRD%20to%20NPA%202007-01.pdf

Sofema Aviaiton Services are currently offering EWIS Training both as open and in company trainings if you would like to register participation please email office@sassofia.com or visit www.sassofia.com