Wiring Assessment of Aging Commuter Class Aircraft

The reliability and maintenance of electrical wiring and electrical components in aging aircraft have become areas of concern for the aviation industry. Numerous investigations have been conducted on the aging aspects of wiring and systems of large transport and military airplanes, with funding primarily from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), Air Force, and NASA. However, because of the large number of smaller general aviation aircraft in service, a need for examining the condition of wiring, electrical components and maintenance procedures for smaller aircraft exists. The Aging Aircraft Research Laboratory at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), Wichita State University, has conducted a comprehensive teardown evaluation of three high time commuter class airplanes. This teardown included assessment of aircraft wiring, electrical systems and circuit breakers through general and intrusive visual inspections and laboratory tests. This paper describes the three aircraft which underwent comprehensive teardown, the inspections and tests performed, and results of the evaluations performed.