Discu ss the method s of protection against HIRF and the checks/ inspection s whichwould be carried out after a fault

was entered in the technical log.

HIGH INTENSITY RADIATED FIELD (FIRF)

Discuss the methods of protection against HIRF and the checks/
inspections whichwould be carried out after a fault was entered in the
technical log.
I
NTRODUCTION

High Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) is produced by high energy systems

located ont h e g r o u n d a n d o c c ur s a t a l l f r e q u en c i e s . I t a f fe c t s
a n y e l e ct r o n i c a n d d i g i t a l systems on the aircraft, causing affected
systems to operate erratically.
P
ROTECTION

Aircraft and systems can be protected against HIRF by

proper shielding of
cables,E M I f i l t e r s , g o o d b o n d i n g , e l e c t r o st a t i c d i sc h a r g e r.
Proper termination of a i r c r a f t s y s t e m c o n n e c t o r s a n d
s e a l i n g o f L R U s c o n d u c t i n g s u r f a c e o n windows,
screening of cables.C
HECKS

/I
NSPECTIONS

If a fault had been entered in the technical log as HIRF I would make the
aircraft safei n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t he Ai r cr a f t Ma i n t e n an c e M a n u a l
( A M M ) a n d r a i s e a n y o t h er p a p er wo r k r e q u ir e d . I wo u l d
a t t e m p t t o i s o l a t e t h e f a u l t , d e br i e f t h e a ir c r e w, i f necessary
and confirm it is HIRF and not just a fault with the systems
involved. Thetechnical log could be consulted to establish if there
is a pattern of previous similar faults. If HIRF appeared to be the
cause I would check the
serviceability of EMIfilters, continuity check of shielding and bonding
and carry out BITE (Built InTest Equipment) tests where possible to
rectify the defect. And also check for the following:

Detailed bonding resistance

Using loop resistance tester to measure the loop resist

a n c e / i m p e d a n c e measurement.

Disassemble the connector to detect corrosion.

A r r a n g e t o r e c o n f i r m l o op p o s i t i o n wi t h i n t he l i m i t . C a r r y o u t
r e l a t e d s ys t e m functional test.
C
ERTIFICATION

Any work carried out would be recorded and signed as the job
progressed. If
anyi t e m s w e r e r e p l a c e d c r o s s c h e c k t h e E A S A F o r m 1 o r
F A A 8 1 3 0 - 3 f o r i t e m s airworthiness conformity and would be
attached to paper work, part numbers
GRNs,s e r i a l n u m b e r s o n a n d o f f w o u l d b e
r e c o r d e d . C R S w o u l d b e i s s u e d b y a appropriately
authorized engineer and a statement would be made in the
technicallog to monitor the systems affected on the next flights.
R
EPORTING

As any occurrence of HIRF is an incident this must be reported to the CAA

throught h e M a n d a t o r y O c c u r r e n c e R e po r t ( M O R )
s c h e m e . I wo u l d a l s o r e p or t i t t o t he organisation HIRF
programme.