⚠️ UNOFFICIAL ARCHIVE — a snapshot of the former FAA Fire Safety website (fire.tc.faa.gov) as of October 2025, preserved from the Internet Archive. Historical record only; no longer updated. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. · About this archive
Please enable Style Sheets for enhanced viewing & features.

 

Search Results

Records 231 to 235 of 733

Title: Technology Assessment for Aircraft Command in Emergency Situations
Author: Richard D. Bloomberg, Edward W. Bishop, John W. Hamilton
Abstract: This technology assessment determined the feasibility of FAA support for development of a computer-based system to supplement cre'w function during in-flight fire/smoke incidents. The system was designated Aircraft Command in Emergency Situations (ACES). It was limited to fire/smoke incidents in areas other than power-plant or lifting and control surfaces. It would be used in large commercial air transports. Thirteen scenarios of in-flight fire/smoke incidents which had occurred or were likel y to occur were written to define the events to which a flight crew might have to respond. The responses to each scenario, based on current practice, were described and presented on a timeline. The development of each incident was described as were the significant operational and environmental features. An analysis of each scenario was then made to identify problems encountered in detection and management of the incident. Separate analyses of current sensor technology, aircraft computer/display technology,' and of human factors led to a hypothetical ACES system using smoke/heat sensing with determination of rate and extent of change in both. ':'he postulated ACES was incorporated into the master warning concept with advisory displays forced to the cockpit. The scenarios were reanalyzed using the ACES and results compared to the first scenario analysis. It was concluded that, an ACES is technological I y feasible and can be used in and facilitate air creW: emergency procedures. Training will be needed but crew workload will not be negati vel y affected. In almost every incident the ACES concept significant! y reduced reaction tice and severity. The continuation of ACES development is encouraged.
Report: DOT/FAA/CT-88/20 Pages: 133 Size: 42.0 MB
Title: Burnthrough Test Procedures for Cargo Liner Design Features
Author: Timothy Marker
Abstract: Tests were conducted on the cargo liner burnthrough apparatus simulating the design features of actual cargo liners. The design features include joints, seams, fastening systems, corners and a light fixture. Due to geometric constraints, many of these design features cannot be readily tested in the prescribed cargo liner test rig, and therefore a standardized method of testing has been developed.
Report: DOT/FAA/CT-TN88/33 Pages: 13 Size: 482 KB
Title: Aircraft Electrical Wet-Wire Arc Tracking
Author: Patricia L. Cahill, James H. Dailey
Abstract: Electrical wet-wire are tracking is a phenomenon that has been known for many years. This can occur when leakage currents on a wet insulation surface are great enough to vaporize the moisture, resulting in the formation of dry spots. These dry spots offer a high amount of resistance to current flow. In turn, an induced voltage will develop across these spots and result in the occurrence of small surface discharges. Initially, these discharges will appear as scintillations at the insulation surface. These discharges produce highly localized temperatures on the order of 1000 degrees Centigrade �. Temperatures of this magnitude will cause thermal degradation of the insulation material, the nature of which depends on the insulation material used.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a series of bench scale tests which demonstrated that the ability of an aircraft wire to resist wet are tracking and possible flashover is highly dependent on the composition of the wire insulation. In addition, the conductivity level of the electrolyte may influence the time and the type (arc track or open circuit) that can occur.
Report: DOT/FAA/CT-88/4 Pages: 23 Size: 4.63 MB
Title: Enhanced Emergency Smoke Venting
Author: Elliott L. Maylor
Abstract: This study evaluated two concepts for modifying the air conditioning systems of large commercial airplanes to enhance the venting of smoke that may be continuously injected into the passenger cabin during inflight fire emergencies. Data from past fire accidents and airplane tests provided a basis for creating four fire/smoke scenarios and deriving five sets of equations to predict the smoke venting effectiveness of current airplanes and the proposed concepts. Concept A would modify the air conditioning packs by adding high flow modes with dual outflow valves and Concept B would add ram air ventilation with an added dump valve. The estimated costs to incorporate Concept A or B in the U.S. fleet were about $381 million or $587 million, respectively. The effectiveness equations predicted that both concepts would provide only slightly significant smoke venting enhancement. Furthermore, the study showed that both concepts would have been negated by the reported crew actions and/or fire damage in past fires. It was concluded that current U.S. fleet airplanes will provide a majority of the passenger cabin free of smoke during inflight fires while the air conditioning systems are kept operating.
Report: DOT/FAA/CT-88/22 Pages: 96 Size: 4.3 MB
Title: Ignition and Flame Spread Measurements of Aircraft Lining Materials
Author: Margaret Harkleroad
Abstract: Experimental tests were. conducted to 'study the'lateral and upward "flame spread behavior of eight aircraft lining materials. The results are tabulated in terms of parameters useful in predicting ignition and flame spread in the presence of an ignition source under exposure to an external radiant source. Experimental and derived results are graphically compared. Derived material properties related to and indicative of the propersity to support flame spread are presented.
Report: NBSIR88-3773 Pages: 63 Size: 6.56 MB

Search Again

 

Choose the type of search you'd like to perform:
(Use AND or OR to refine your search)

Report Number

Report Title

Author

Keyword *

* This will only search through the Abstract of the reports.

List All Reports