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Airworthiness Notices - B037, Edition 1 - 4 April 1997
Installation of Automotive Heaters in Aircraft Engine Compartments
Purpose
The purpose of this notice is to inform the aviation public of the
requirements associated with the installations of automotive heaters in
aircraft engine compartments.
Background
The installation of automotive type heaters in aircraft engine
compartments for the purpose of engine pre-heating has been found useful by
many operators in dealing with aircraft exposed to extreme cold weather
conditions.
Automotive heaters are not controlled aeronautical products, therefore,
it is not the intention of Transport Canada to evaluate and approve such
installations as they would normally be regarded as minor modifications. Notwithstanding, the installation of heaters
requires certification by an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) to ensure that
such an installation will not adversely effect the airworthiness of the
aircraft.
Requirements
Prior to making the required certification, the AME must ensure that:
- The device is installed in such a way that it will not interfere
with any control or the powerplant cooling airflow.
- The device is installed in such a way that no deterioration of
plastic or rubber hoses, cable insulation etc., will occur as a result of the
hot air efflux.
- Provisions are made so that, in the event the heater or any of
its parts should become detached, no interference with controls or cooling
airflow will result during aircraft operation.
- The method of attachment conforms to standard aeronautical
practices as outlined in manufacturers’ manuals or FAA A.C. 43-13-1A, etc.
- Provisions are made in the aircraft maintenance program to
visually inspect, prior to the first flight of each day when the heater has
been in use, items located in close proximity to the heater and that could have
been affected by prolonged exposure to hot air efflux.
Should it become evident that, through cursory inspections or other
means of verification, the installation fails to meet any of the criteria
mentioned above, actions must be taken to rectify the deficiency prior to
returning the affected aircraft to service.
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