Inspection processes must compliment systems inspected

Current wire system inspection processes do not compliment aircraft electrical and electronic systems technology nor do many proposed systems. The wire inspection tools in common use today can be represented by the volt/ohm meter, the meg/ohm meter, and visual techniques. The two meters only measure conductivity, connectivity, and voltage breakdown strength of the insulation. Visual techniques, mirror and flashlight methods can only reach about 25 percent of the aircraft wiring system and subjectively identify only physical faults of the insulation surface and simple damaged components. The goal is to reduce cost and improve reliability. Far better methods for wire systems diagnostic, prognostic, mediation, repair, and validation of wire systems using non-destructive test (NDT) equipment are on the market or in development that would assist the aircraft operator of health management for aircraft wiring systems.