CLASS A RUMOUR - RNZAF BUYING NEW (USED) AIRCRAFT
Dec 26, 2015 22:20:20 GMT 12
Ian Warren, baz62, and 2 more like this
Post by oj on Dec 26, 2015 22:20:20 GMT 12
Look; a bit of all this stuff is OK provided it is kept in perspective.
As one who started out at 2TTS on wooden wiring boards using the British "Nyvin and "Dupren sheath" wiring types, secured to the wooden "airframe" by hand-formed aluminium cleats and wood-screws, cushioned by cambric tape, we learned some wiring disciplines that are still core values.
Like the proper radius of curves for wiring and looms and drip-loops and to always allow sufficient length at the termination to allow the wiring to be re-terminated up to three times over the length of time-in-service expected (all this before the advent of pre-insulated crimped splices).
But it is absolutely essential to learn the rest on real airframes.
Only then can you gain a proper understanding of how the wiring looms behave under flying conditions, the need to install such that G forces don't cause any wiring to contact control cables (and vice-versa) etc. and how you just can't drill holes anywhere for your wiring "P" clips and cable-ties.
In engine-bays and other harsh environments for the wiring, until you have seen the effects of dripping fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, chafe-points, exhaust-gas leaks and damage to wiring by "other" trades; and have actively repaired and mitigated against future damage and deterioration, you won't have had sufficient training to cut the mustard.
The earlier you can be exposed to real conditions the better.
But just to close, I go back to wooden loom-boards again: When we did all the A4K Project Kahu wiring at PAC, it was all done in two dimensional (flat) layout to loom-drawings provided from Woodbourne.
The loom-builders at PAC were fully trained in the techniques and practices required in-house without ever seeing a Skyhawk, or mock-up or model.
Their experience in working with a very large range of wiring types, connectors and terminations made them highly competent loom-builders.
But they could not install the wiring in the airframe without another completely separate skill-set.
You could probably do something similar with hydraulic circuits and fuel systems (for training) but the installation to the airframe could only be properly learned under live conditions (or instructional airframe).
As one who started out at 2TTS on wooden wiring boards using the British "Nyvin and "Dupren sheath" wiring types, secured to the wooden "airframe" by hand-formed aluminium cleats and wood-screws, cushioned by cambric tape, we learned some wiring disciplines that are still core values.
Like the proper radius of curves for wiring and looms and drip-loops and to always allow sufficient length at the termination to allow the wiring to be re-terminated up to three times over the length of time-in-service expected (all this before the advent of pre-insulated crimped splices).
But it is absolutely essential to learn the rest on real airframes.
Only then can you gain a proper understanding of how the wiring looms behave under flying conditions, the need to install such that G forces don't cause any wiring to contact control cables (and vice-versa) etc. and how you just can't drill holes anywhere for your wiring "P" clips and cable-ties.
In engine-bays and other harsh environments for the wiring, until you have seen the effects of dripping fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, chafe-points, exhaust-gas leaks and damage to wiring by "other" trades; and have actively repaired and mitigated against future damage and deterioration, you won't have had sufficient training to cut the mustard.
The earlier you can be exposed to real conditions the better.
But just to close, I go back to wooden loom-boards again: When we did all the A4K Project Kahu wiring at PAC, it was all done in two dimensional (flat) layout to loom-drawings provided from Woodbourne.
The loom-builders at PAC were fully trained in the techniques and practices required in-house without ever seeing a Skyhawk, or mock-up or model.
Their experience in working with a very large range of wiring types, connectors and terminations made them highly competent loom-builders.
But they could not install the wiring in the airframe without another completely separate skill-set.
You could probably do something similar with hydraulic circuits and fuel systems (for training) but the installation to the airframe could only be properly learned under live conditions (or instructional airframe).