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Questions and Answers
What kind of warning is typically given to aircrew once a fire has been detected in an aircraft?
What kind of warning is typically given to aircrew once a fire has been detected in an aircraft?
- Flashing lights
- Sirens
- Voice alerts (correct)
- Whistles
Why is it important for fire detection systems to be durable and resistant to environmental factors?
Why is it important for fire detection systems to be durable and resistant to environmental factors?
- To withstand harsh operating conditions (correct)
- To be easy to clean
- To save on maintenance costs
- To look impressive to passengers
What design feature ensures that a fire detection system can be easily tested for integrity?
What design feature ensures that a fire detection system can be easily tested for integrity?
- An accurate and effective testing method (correct)
- Use of color-changing LEDs
- Inclusion of voice activation
- Integration with the aircraft's fuel system
Which type of fire zones have large quantities of air flowing over regular arrangements of similarly shaped obstructions?
Which type of fire zones have large quantities of air flowing over regular arrangements of similarly shaped obstructions?
Why is it crucial for a fire detection system to accurately indicate when a fire has been extinguished?
Why is it crucial for a fire detection system to accurately indicate when a fire has been extinguished?
What type of detector circuitry does the text mention should be used in a fire detection system?
What type of detector circuitry does the text mention should be used in a fire detection system?
What happens if the temperature rises to a predetermined level on any of the thermal switches in the fire detection system?
What happens if the temperature rises to a predetermined level on any of the thermal switches in the fire detection system?
In the fire detection system, what is the role of the test circuit?
In the fire detection system, what is the role of the test circuit?
Why are all thermal switches in the fire detection system connected in parallel with each other?
Why are all thermal switches in the fire detection system connected in parallel with each other?
What happens if the fire loop around the thermal detectors is broken?
What happens if the fire loop around the thermal detectors is broken?
How does the fire warning light get its power supply in the event of a fire condition?
How does the fire warning light get its power supply in the event of a fire condition?
What action should be taken by the flight crew if they need to check for continuity of the loop and integrity of the whole system in the aircraft?
What action should be taken by the flight crew if they need to check for continuity of the loop and integrity of the whole system in the aircraft?
What is the purpose of fire detection, warning, and protection systems in modern aircraft?
What is the purpose of fire detection, warning, and protection systems in modern aircraft?
Which component is responsible for detecting potential fires in the Thermal Switch Fire Detection System?
Which component is responsible for detecting potential fires in the Thermal Switch Fire Detection System?
In the event of an emergency, which system is activated by the Systron-Donner Pressure Sensor Responder System?
In the event of an emergency, which system is activated by the Systron-Donner Pressure Sensor Responder System?
What type of system is the Continuous Loop System specifically designed for?
What type of system is the Continuous Loop System specifically designed for?
Which system is initiated by an Inertia Switch during aircraft emergencies?
Which system is initiated by an Inertia Switch during aircraft emergencies?
What is the primary function of Pilot Operated systems in the context of fire detection and protection?
What is the primary function of Pilot Operated systems in the context of fire detection and protection?
What component plays a crucial role in activating Fire Extinguisher Cylinders?
What component plays a crucial role in activating Fire Extinguisher Cylinders?
What federal legislation describes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's role in enforcing regulations?
What federal legislation describes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's role in enforcing regulations?
Which legislation details the requirements for aircraft fire detection and protection systems according to CASA?
Which legislation details the requirements for aircraft fire detection and protection systems according to CASA?
Which act legislated the Montreal Protocol into Australian law to address the depleting ozone layer?
Which act legislated the Montreal Protocol into Australian law to address the depleting ozone layer?
Which legislation confirmed the depleting ozone layer, leading to global concern and the Montreal Protocol?
Which legislation confirmed the depleting ozone layer, leading to global concern and the Montreal Protocol?
Which legislation is specifically mentioned in relation to the concern for the depleting ozone layer displayed by global entities?
Which legislation is specifically mentioned in relation to the concern for the depleting ozone layer displayed by global entities?
'The Act forms the basis of the regulations and describes CASA’s role in enforcing the regulations.' Which legislation is being referred to in this statement?
'The Act forms the basis of the regulations and describes CASA’s role in enforcing the regulations.' Which legislation is being referred to in this statement?
What is the main focus of the State and Territory Acts in relation to Halon 1211 and 1301?
What is the main focus of the State and Territory Acts in relation to Halon 1211 and 1301?
In the context of the legislation, what is a key requirement for personnel handling Halon 1211 and 1301?
In the context of the legislation, what is a key requirement for personnel handling Halon 1211 and 1301?
What is mandated by the State and Territory Acts concerning the management of Halon 1211 and 1301?
What is mandated by the State and Territory Acts concerning the management of Halon 1211 and 1301?
Which action does the State and Territory legislation NOT directly address regarding Halon management?
Which action does the State and Territory legislation NOT directly address regarding Halon management?
What is a key regulatory aspect of the State and Territory Acts related to Halon 1211 and 1301?
What is a key regulatory aspect of the State and Territory Acts related to Halon 1211 and 1301?
Which aspect is NOT typically covered by the State and Territory legislation concerning Halon management?
Which aspect is NOT typically covered by the State and Territory legislation concerning Halon management?
What distinguishes federal legislation from state legislation in this context?
What distinguishes federal legislation from state legislation in this context?
What components make up the typical layout of a fire detection and protection system?
What components make up the typical layout of a fire detection and protection system?
What is the role of the fire warning indicators in a fire detection and protection system?
What is the role of the fire warning indicators in a fire detection and protection system?
How can aircrew react once a fire or overheat condition is detected in an aircraft?
How can aircrew react once a fire or overheat condition is detected in an aircraft?
What is the purpose of having plumbing in a fire detection and protection system?
What is the purpose of having plumbing in a fire detection and protection system?
In relation to fire zones, where are the fire detectors typically located?
In relation to fire zones, where are the fire detectors typically located?
Which type of fire zone has a relatively small amount of airflow according to the text?
Which type of fire zone has a relatively small amount of airflow according to the text?
What type of engine compartment is an example of a Class B fire zone?
What type of engine compartment is an example of a Class B fire zone?
In which type of zone may the extinguishant be carried out into the airstream before extinguishing the fire?
In which type of zone may the extinguishant be carried out into the airstream before extinguishing the fire?
What is required for an area to be considered a Class B fire zone?
What is required for an area to be considered a Class B fire zone?
What design feature ensures that a fire detection system can be easily tested for integrity?
What design feature ensures that a fire detection system can be easily tested for integrity?
What happens if the fire loop around the thermal detectors is broken in an aircraft?
What happens if the fire loop around the thermal detectors is broken in an aircraft?
Why are all thermal switches in the fire detection system connected in parallel with each other?
Why are all thermal switches in the fire detection system connected in parallel with each other?
What is the main focus of the Continuous Loop System in an aircraft?
What is the main focus of the Continuous Loop System in an aircraft?
What happens to the resistance of the thermistor material when exposed to high temperature?
What happens to the resistance of the thermistor material when exposed to high temperature?
What initiates a fire warning in the context of the Systron-Donner Pressure Sensor Responder System?
What initiates a fire warning in the context of the Systron-Donner Pressure Sensor Responder System?
What is released when the temperature exceeds a set level in the Systron-Donner Sensor?
What is released when the temperature exceeds a set level in the Systron-Donner Sensor?
In the context of the sensor responder system, what does the metallic gas-absorption core material hold?
In the context of the sensor responder system, what does the metallic gas-absorption core material hold?
What gas is used to pressurize the area between the inert metal tape and outer tubing in the Systron-Donner Sensor?
What gas is used to pressurize the area between the inert metal tape and outer tubing in the Systron-Donner Sensor?
What type of detectors are used on aircraft to signal the presence of fire, overheating, smoke, or toxic gas?
What type of detectors are used on aircraft to signal the presence of fire, overheating, smoke, or toxic gas?
Which material expands when heated in a thermal switch, causing the electrical contacts to close?
Which material expands when heated in a thermal switch, causing the electrical contacts to close?
What happens to the detectors listed once they have been activated and corrective action has been taken?
What happens to the detectors listed once they have been activated and corrective action has been taken?
What can cause the detectors listed to become unserviceable?
What can cause the detectors listed to become unserviceable?
In a thermal switch, what is responsible for closing the electrical contacts when heated?
In a thermal switch, what is responsible for closing the electrical contacts when heated?
Why are the thermal switches in a fire detection system connected in parallel with each other?
Why are the thermal switches in a fire detection system connected in parallel with each other?
What can cause the detectors listed to become unserviceable?
What can cause the detectors listed to become unserviceable?
Which action should be taken by the flight crew if they need to check for continuity of the loop and integrity of the whole system in the aircraft?
Which action should be taken by the flight crew if they need to check for continuity of the loop and integrity of the whole system in the aircraft?
What happens to the spring-bow assembly when pressure within the tube is reduced?
What happens to the spring-bow assembly when pressure within the tube is reduced?
What determines the amount of current flowing in a thermocouple loop?
What determines the amount of current flowing in a thermocouple loop?
What occurs to the contacts in the spring-bow assembly when heat is applied?
What occurs to the contacts in the spring-bow assembly when heat is applied?
What indicates that the smoke detector system is operating according to the text?
What indicates that the smoke detector system is operating according to the text?
How do heat detectors differ from fire detectors based on the text?
How do heat detectors differ from fire detectors based on the text?
What type of detector works when there is no smoke in the air according to the text?
What type of detector works when there is no smoke in the air according to the text?
What does a light beam shining on smoke cause in the aircraft's smoke detector system?
What does a light beam shining on smoke cause in the aircraft's smoke detector system?
In what condition will a heat detector indicate an overheat condition compared to a fire detector?
In what condition will a heat detector indicate an overheat condition compared to a fire detector?
What is the main purpose of the emergency shutdown handle in an aircraft's engine?
What is the main purpose of the emergency shutdown handle in an aircraft's engine?
Where are the emergency shutdown handles typically located in an aircraft?
Where are the emergency shutdown handles typically located in an aircraft?
Which visual indicator on the emergency shutdown handle alerts the pilot to an overheat condition?
Which visual indicator on the emergency shutdown handle alerts the pilot to an overheat condition?
What is the role of cam operated emergency shutdown micro switches in the emergency shutdown control system?
What is the role of cam operated emergency shutdown micro switches in the emergency shutdown control system?
What is the purpose of having two emergency shutdown relays in the emergency shutdown control system?
What is the purpose of having two emergency shutdown relays in the emergency shutdown control system?
What action does pulling the fire handle inside the cockpit indicate?
What action does pulling the fire handle inside the cockpit indicate?
What is the purpose of the two Cam Operated Emergency Shutdown Micro Switches?
What is the purpose of the two Cam Operated Emergency Shutdown Micro Switches?
Why are there two emergency shutdown switches for each engine?
Why are there two emergency shutdown switches for each engine?
What is the significance of the emergency shutdown micro switches and relays being redundant circuits?
What is the significance of the emergency shutdown micro switches and relays being redundant circuits?
What initiates the energizing of the emergency shutdown relays in the Turbo Propeller?
What initiates the energizing of the emergency shutdown relays in the Turbo Propeller?
In case of a component failure within one of the circuits, what ensures system functionality?
In case of a component failure within one of the circuits, what ensures system functionality?
What is the role of the cams on the emergency shutdown handle?
What is the role of the cams on the emergency shutdown handle?
Where are the fire warning lights usually located in an aircraft cockpit?
Where are the fire warning lights usually located in an aircraft cockpit?
How are the fire warning lights typically operated in aircraft?
How are the fire warning lights typically operated in aircraft?
What is the purpose of engine emergency controls in an aircraft?
What is the purpose of engine emergency controls in an aircraft?
What is the function of pulling the fire warning light handle or pressing the light in an aircraft?
What is the function of pulling the fire warning light handle or pressing the light in an aircraft?
What additional feature is commonly included with fire warning indicators in aircraft?
What additional feature is commonly included with fire warning indicators in aircraft?
How do the contacts within the fire warning light operate in response to pressing the light or pulling a handle?
How do the contacts within the fire warning light operate in response to pressing the light or pulling a handle?
What happens if the fire loop around the detectors is broken in a fire detection system?
What happens if the fire loop around the detectors is broken in a fire detection system?
What is the purpose of the test circuit included in the fire detection system for aircraft?
What is the purpose of the test circuit included in the fire detection system for aircraft?
What happens when the test relay is energized in a fire detection system?
What happens when the test relay is energized in a fire detection system?
What is the role of the safety feature in a fire detection system?
What is the role of the safety feature in a fire detection system?
What role do warning lights, bells, buzzers, or voice alerts play in a fire detection system?
What role do warning lights, bells, buzzers, or voice alerts play in a fire detection system?
Why is it essential for aircraft fire detection systems to have battery-operated detector circuitry using minimal electrical current?
Why is it essential for aircraft fire detection systems to have battery-operated detector circuitry using minimal electrical current?
What enables the detector to return to the ready state after sensing a condition and corrective action?
What enables the detector to return to the ready state after sensing a condition and corrective action?
What component in a fire detection system consists of two electrical contacts mounted on a spring-bow assembly?
What component in a fire detection system consists of two electrical contacts mounted on a spring-bow assembly?
What type of gas is typically used to propel the extinguishant in fire extinguisher cylinders in modern aircraft?
What type of gas is typically used to propel the extinguishant in fire extinguisher cylinders in modern aircraft?
What is the purpose of a thermal pressure relief valve or fuse located on each fire extinguisher cylinder?
What is the purpose of a thermal pressure relief valve or fuse located on each fire extinguisher cylinder?
How are fire extinguisher cylinders in modern aircraft usually shaped?
How are fire extinguisher cylinders in modern aircraft usually shaped?
What component enables the discharge of the fire-extinguishant into the area of the fire in aircraft?
What component enables the discharge of the fire-extinguishant into the area of the fire in aircraft?
What type of testing are fire extinguisher cylinders subjected to, according to manufacturers' requirements?
What type of testing are fire extinguisher cylinders subjected to, according to manufacturers' requirements?
Which type of valve is typically located on each fire extinguisher cylinder to prevent overpressure?
Which type of valve is typically located on each fire extinguisher cylinder to prevent overpressure?
How is the fire extinguisher activated?
How is the fire extinguisher activated?
What is the purpose of the brittle disc in the fire extinguisher?
What is the purpose of the brittle disc in the fire extinguisher?
What role does the inertia switch play in activating the fire extinguisher?
What role does the inertia switch play in activating the fire extinguisher?
What happens when the crash switch in an aircraft is activated?
What happens when the crash switch in an aircraft is activated?
What is the purpose of the HRD button in the cockpit of an aircraft?
What is the purpose of the HRD button in the cockpit of an aircraft?
What component prevents disk particles from entering the extinguisher deployment lines?
What component prevents disk particles from entering the extinguisher deployment lines?
What initiates the electrical circuit that leads to activating the fire extinguisher?
What initiates the electrical circuit that leads to activating the fire extinguisher?
What specifically ruptures to activate the fire extinguisher in case of a thermal switch operation?
What specifically ruptures to activate the fire extinguisher in case of a thermal switch operation?
Study Notes
Fire Detection Systems
- Fire detection systems installed on aircraft must meet specific requirements to ensure safe operation in emergencies.
- The systems must:
- Be durable and resistant to environmental factors
- Include an accurate and effective testing method
- Be easy to inspect, remove, and install
- Indicate accurately at all times
- Indicate when a fire has been extinguished
- Indicate if a fire re-ignites
- Use battery-operated detector circuitry with minimal electrical current
Fire Zones
- Fire zones are classified based on airflow volume and turbulence.
- Class A fire zones:
- Have large quantities of air flowing over regular arrangements of similarly shaped obstructions.
- Examples: power plant area, turbine engine compartments with aerodynamically clean surfaces and fireproof liner.
- Class B fire zones:
- Have large quantities of air flowing past aerodynamically clean obstructions.
- Examples: heat exchanger ducts, exhaust manifold shrouds, smooth cowling surfaces with adequate drainage.
- Class C fire zones:
- Have a relatively small amount of airflow.
- Examples: engine accessory compartments, auxiliary power unit compartments.
Legislation Requirements
- Federal Legislation:
- Civil Aviation Act (1988)
- Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR)
- Ozone Protection Act (1989)
- State Legislation:
- Regulates management and control of Halon 1211 and 1301
- Requires licensing, exemptions, or registration for personnel handling Halon
Typical System Layout
- Consists of:
- Detectors
- Fire warning indicators
- Emergency controls
- Fire extinguisher cylinders
- Plumbing
- Fire detectors are located in fire zones as required
- Fire warning indicators include a horn and overheat/fire warning light in the cockpit### Gas Turbine Engine Systems
- Modern aircraft have fire detection, warning, and protection systems installed.
Fire Detection System Requirements
- Fire detection systems consist of detectors, sensors, and responders.
- Systems are installed in locations where there is a high possibility of fire, overheating, smoke, or toxic gas.
Fire Zones
- Fire zones are areas where fire detection systems are installed.
Legislation Requirements
- Federal and state legislations govern fire detection and protection systems.
Typical System Layout
- Systems include detectors, sensors, responders, and fire extinguisher cylinders.
- Plumbing connects the cylinders to the engine.
Detectors
- Types of detectors:
- Thermal switch
- Thermocouple
- Infra-red
- Smoke
- Heat
- Toxic gas
- Detectors automatically reset after activation.
Thermal Switch Fire Detection System
- Thermal switch consists of two electrical contacts mounted on a spring-bow assembly.
- The bow is anchored to an expansion tube made from heat-sensitive alloy.
- When the tube expands due to heat, the contacts close, and a fire warning is initiated.
Thermocouple Fire Detection System
- Thermocouple generates a small electrical current when there is a temperature difference between the junctions.
- The current flow is determined by the type of metals used, temperature difference, and resistance of the wiring.
Systron-Donner Pressure Sensor Responder System
- Consists of a sensor and responder.
- Sensor contains a metallic gas-absorption core material wrapped in an inert metal tape.
- Hydrogen gas is released when the temperature exceeds a set point and re-absorbed when the temperature reduces.
- Responder unit contains pressure switches that trigger an alarm when the helium gas pressure increases.
Infra-Red Detectors
- Use a photoconductive cell to detect fires.
- Can scan a defined area, reducing the number of detectors required.
- Method of raising an alarm is identical to traditional detectors.
Smoke Detectors
- Used in freight holds, baggage compartments, toilet areas, and equipment bays.
- Types of detection systems:
- Light refraction
- Light detection
- Air is continually sampled, and a change in current flow triggers a warning indication.
Fire Extinguisher Cylinders
- Connected to the engine through plumbing.
- Fire extinguishant is discharged by pressing the HRD button.
Fire Detection and Protection Systems
- Thermal switch fire detection system
- Thermocouple fire detection system
- Continuous loop system
- Systron-Donner pressure sensor responder system
- Inertial switch
- Crash switch
- Pilot-operated
- Self-check your topic knowledge### Fire Detection and Protection Systems
- Fire detection systems are used to detect an overheat or fire condition in an aircraft.
- The system consists of sensing devices, detectors, and warning indicators to alert the aircrew of a potential fire.
Thermal Switch
- A thermal switch is a type of detector that consists of two electrical contacts mounted on a spring-bow assembly.
- The bow is anchored to an expansion tube at one end and the base of the detector at the other.
- When the expansion tube is heated, it expands, causing the spring-bow to compress, which brings the contacts together, completing the electrical circuit.
Thermocouple
- A thermocouple is a temperature-sensing device that generates a small electrical current.
- It consists of two dissimilar metal wires joined to form a loop.
- The amount of current flowing in the loop is determined by the types of metals used, the temperature difference between the junctions, and the resistance of the wiring.
Responder
- The responder contains two identical pressure switches.
- The responder alarm switch is normally open and closes only when gas pressure in the sensor tube increases due to an overheat or fire condition.
- The integrity switch is held closed by the normal helium gas pressure in the sensor tube and will only open if the sensor is damaged.
Infra-red Detectors
- Infra-red detectors are used to detect fires in modern aircraft.
- They use a photoconductive cell to sight the fire using an electronic beam.
- The beam allows a defined area to be scanned, minimizing the number of detectors used.
Smoke Detectors
- Smoke detectors are used to detect smoke in aircraft.
- They operate by continuously sampling air and detecting any smoke present.
- When smoke is detected, the system triggers a warning indication.
Heat Detectors
- Heat detectors are used to detect overheat conditions in aircraft.
- They operate on the same principle as fire detectors but are set to detect lower temperatures.
- Heat detectors are generally more sensitive to slight changes in temperature than fire detectors.
Toxic Gas Detectors
- Toxic gas detectors are used to detect toxic gases such as carbon monoxide in aircraft.
- They are usually installed in cabins where the presence of gas would affect the flight crew and passengers.
Emergency Shutdown Handles
- Emergency shutdown handles are used to shut down the engine in case of an emergency.
- They are located in the cockpit and are painted with black and yellow stripes or have warning lights.
- When an overheat condition is detected, the lights will flash inside the handle to draw the pilot's attention.
Emergency Shutdown Relays
- Emergency shutdown relays are used to control the electrical functions of the engine shutdown system.
- There are two relays for each engine, which are redundant circuits to ensure that the system operates even if one relay fails.
Fire Warning Indicators
- Fire warning indicators are used to alert the aircrew of a potential fire.
- They are located in the cockpit and are usually in the shape of a light or handle.
- When the indicator is activated, it will illuminate and trigger an audible alarm.
Fire Zones
- Fire zones are designated areas of the aircraft where a fire is likely to occur.
- Class A fire zones have large quantities of air flowing over regular arrangements of similarly shaped obstructions.
- The type of detection and extinguishing system used depends on the fire zone classification.
Fire Extinguisher Cylinders
- Fire extinguisher cylinders are used to store the extinguishing agent.
- They are usually spherical or cylindrical in shape and are hydrostatically pressure tested.
- The cylinders are designed to operate at high pressures and temperatures.
Thermal Pressure Relief
- Thermal pressure relief valves or fuses are used to prevent over-pressurization of the fire extinguisher cylinders.
- They are located on each cylinder and enable the gas to discharge before the bottle reaches its maximum design pressure rating.
Pilot Operated System
- The pilot can activate the fire extinguisher manually by depressing the HRD button in the cockpit.
- The button produces an electrical impulse, which fires the cartridge/squib, rupturing the disc in the neck of the fire extinguisher.
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Description
Explore the various fire detection systems used in aircraft, including how different fire zones are designated based on airflow volume and turbulence. Learn about the visual and audible warnings given to aircrew upon detecting a fire.
