Electrical Wiring Interconnect System (EWIS) and Fuel Tank Safety Training (FTS)

The need for Electrical Wiring Interconnect System EWIS training was substantially raised in profile following two very dramatic and significant aviation accidents.
The first accident affecting flight TWA 800 which exploded and broke up in mid air in the sea next to long island New York in 1996. The second affecting flight Swiss Air 111 in 1998.
Fuel Tank Safety Training also originates from research carried out in the aftermath of TWA 800 and several other fuel related accidents and incidents.
Aviation Training Directory supplies providers for both FTS and EWIS training both as online training courses and in company training courses. EASA has mandated that fuel tank safety training is required for certain groups of maintenance staff. Why was this decision made? The reason essentially driven by the need to address inherent center fuel tank safety shortfalls on certain aircraft.
EASA has also mandated the requirement for Electrical Wiring Interconnect System Training and has issued 3 documents AMC 20-21 Programme to enhance aeroplane Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) maintenance AMC 20-22 (AMC = acceptable means of compliance) and Aeroplane Electrical Wiring Interconnection System Training Programme AND AMC 20-23 Development of Electrical Standard Wiring Practices documentation.
What are the implications for operators and maintainers? The need to have appropriate procedures and in company training is essential as is the need to manage competencies and to ensure that training is effective and relavent.
FTS and EWIS training is mandatory of all staff who work on aircraft which carry more than 30 passengers or the equivalent size of Cargo aircraft.
What does it mean for you as an operator or maintainer? As an operator for example you should be satisfying yourself during audit that the Part 145 MRO organisation fully complies with both the regulatory requirements and your Part M requirements. (A hugely important element). As a Part 145 organisation you should satisfy yourself that you have appropriate Maintenance Organisation Exposition MOE Procedures, Competent and trained maintenance staff to comply with all the regulatory requirements, including the need for recurrent Fuel Tank Safety and EWIS
Both EWIS and FTS have a major impact on in-service continuing airworthiness management and maintenance of aircraft.
One example of a particular outcome was the need for management of the fuel tank related maintenance requirements and associated activities which have become known as CDCCL Critical Design Control Configuration Limitations. The comprehensive understanding of this is addressed during Fuel Tank Safety training.
CDCCL requirements have a direct bearing on the activities of the Part 145 maintenance organisation and the effective oversight by the operators Part M organisation.
Aviation training directory promotes Fuel Tank Safety [FTS] and Electrical Wiring Interconnect System Training [EWIS] on its website, and is normally available as in company or open trainings and address all regulatory issues associated with Fuel Tank Safety and EWIS and satisfies the mandatory training including examination recommended by EASA.