Statistics from FAA Service Difficulty Reports clearly show that in-flight fires, smoke or fumes are one of the most significant causes of unscheduled or emergency landings and account for on average one precautionary landing per day based on 1,089 events during a 10 month period in 1999.
A pilot encountering smoke in the cockpit so thick that the instruments cannot be seen can utilize a relatively simple device, which provides a clear view.
Emergency Vision Assurance System (EVAS) provides a clear space of air through which a pilot can see flight instruments and out the front windshield for landing. The pilot still relies on the oxygen mask for breathing, smoke goggles for eye protection and employs approved procedures for clearing smoke from the aircraft. When smoke evacuation procedures are not sufficient, EVAS provides emergency backup allowing the pilot to see and fly the aircraft to a safe landing.
EVAS measures 3 x 8.5 x 10 inches when stowed, the approximate space of a Jeppessen navigation manual. When needed, the pilot removes the IVU (Inflatable Vision Unit) from the EVAS case and pulls a tab to activate the system. The IVU inflates with one lobe above and one below the glareshield. According to EVAS Worldwide, the distributor of EVAS, the whole process takes 15-20 seconds. The pilot leans forward, placing his smoke goggles in contact with the EVAS clear window, giving him an unimpaired view of both vital instruments and the outside world.
After it is activated, EVAS is continually pressurized with filtered cockpit air to maintain volume and preserve a clear view. The device is independent of aircraft power, relying on a self-contained battery-power supply, pump and filters in each storage case. EVAS systems are designed to run for at least two hours, and filter down to .01 microns. The system requires virtually no installation. |
While the FAA regulations require smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, smoke goggles and oxygen masks, pilots point out that these safeguards and all other systems and equipment for flight safety are useless if the pilots cannot see to control and land the aircraft.
EVAS Worldwide uses a fleet of mobile cockpit demonstration units to show potential customers the benefits of the system. EVAS demonstrations use a fog generator to reduce cockpit vision so the pilot cannot see his hand in front of his face. Smoke goggles offer no vision improvement, though they do protect the eyes. After EVAS is deployed, the pilot can clearly see both the vital instruments and out through the windshield. It is truly an amazing experience. Most pilots are sold on the benefits of EVAS on the spot.
To learn more informative facts about in-flight smoke events, please read our 10 point Overview.
The documents that are available for existing EVAS models are in PDF format. Download the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
For aviation see EVAS Model 107, all other applications see Model 106 below.
EVAS Model 106 and 106-A
Note: Information not intended for installation. For reference only. Files on website are not guaranteed to be current. |
