Certification of CVM™ Sensors for Monitoring 737 Aft Pressure Bulkhead

Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are a desired solution to provide aircraft operators information on the health of aircraft structures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of the air transportation system in the United States and its certification of SHM systems is essential to ensure that these systems meet safety standards and do not compromise aircraft safety. This paper provides an overview of the efforts undertaken to supply the necessary data and analysis for certification of a CVM SHM system, including the regulatory requirements and the steps involved in the certification process. Additionally, this paper discusses the benefits of SHM systems for the aviation industry and their potential impact on safety. Cost and time savings are driving the demand for certification of a CVMTM SHM system that satisfies the requirements of Boeing SB-737-53A1248 along with the guidance of an FAA Issue Paper. This certification would be the first for any SHM system in a safety critical Principle Structural Element of a Commercial Fixed Wing Aircraft, the Aft Pressure Bulkhead (APB), where an FAA Airworthiness Directive is mandating the inspection for 737 operators. The existing Service Bulletin allows for two inspection options, Option 1: LFEC and detailed inspection (aft side) every 1,200 flight cycles or Option 2: HFEC and detailed inspection (fwd side) every 3,800 flight cycles. The approval of the revised service bulletin would allow for Option 3: CVMTM inspection (fwd side) every 1,200 flight cycles, thus reducing the inspection time from 24 hr to 15 min1.