FAA Rules on Airline Wiring

U.S. airlines must now take new steps to protect aircraft wiring in order to prevent fires and accidents. The new FAA ruling gives aircraft manufacturers two years to develop maintenance and inspection procedures for airlines. Airlines have three years to begin carrying out the new requirements. "This is a big safety step," said Les Dorr, a spokesman for the FAA. "The surprise issue is that maintenance was causing damage to the wiring bundles." The rule requires greater coordination between manufacturers and carriers in developing maintenance procedures. Many modern aircraft with computerized cockpits contain more than 100 miles of wire routed in bundles. When wiring insulation wears, system failures or fires can occur, and the problem becomes a particular concern on aging aircraft. The NTSB issued 34 safety recommendations after investigating 15 accidents or incidents that involved electrical wiring malfunctions between 1983 and 1999. For related news