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
ground and occurs at all frequencies. It affects any electronic and
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 s t a t i c
discharger. 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
accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and raise any
other paper work required. I would attempt to isolate the fault, debrief
t h e a i r 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 loo p resistance/

i m p e d a n c e measurement.

Disassemble the connector to detect corrosion.

Arrange to reconfirm loop position within the limit. Carry out related
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 GRN’s,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 technical log 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
Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR) scheme. I would also report it to
t h e organisation HIRF programme.