application story

Thermal imaging allows for accurate and time-saving inspections of electrical cabinets inside aircraft cockpits. Aircraft cockpit inspections, both pre-flight and post-flight, consist of a wide range of control routines that need to ensure the safety of its passengers during a flight. Next to that, it is essential that inspections are carried out as efficiently as possible, because every idle hour that is keeping an aircraft waiting on the ground is time and money lost. In that respect, Dutch technical inspection specialist Thermografisch & Adviesbureau Uden BV found a way to significantly speed up electrical inspections inside the cockpit, while at the same time guaranteeing accuracy and reliability. The secret: thermal imaging The high-res P640 thermal and visual camera is a technology from FLIR Systems. smart choice for thermal imaging surveys. Thermografisch & Adviesbureau Uden this technology for the inspection of cockpit the same technology for the inspections of BV is an experienced agency which is electronics,” comments Mr. Ralf Grispen, wiring and cabling inside the cockpit as well. specialized in independent inspections owner of Thermografisch & Adviesbureau We decided to give that a try.” and supplies recommendations to the Uden BV. In fact, that particular question industrial and construction markets. The came directly from Thermografisch & Mr. Grispen and Mr. Rob Huting, co-owner company’s expertise ranges from building Adviesbureau Uden BV’s long-term customer of the company, traveled to Cologne inspections, over climate and mechanical , a Danish , part of the Airport, where Star Air’s aircraft fleet is installation inspections, to process control A.P.Moller- Group, specialized in located. Technicians of the airline company and inspection of electronic components. providing highly reliable cargo lift capacity. made the cockpit of a -200 For all of these applications, Thermografisch ready for electrical inspections, and the & Adviesbureau Uden BV heavily relies on Thermal imaging for cockpit inspections Thermografisch & Adviesbureau Uden BV thermography. “Star Air knew that we could successfully team started its routines. The inspection job perform inspections of water ingress in was a success: the thermal imaging cameras “We had a long history of performing composite materials of airplanes by means showed the temperature differences of the inspections of electrical cabinets for of thermal imaging cameras,” comments cockpit’s electrical cabinets in the greatest industrial applications by means of thermal Mr. Grispen. “But technicians of the airline detail and the team was indeed able to imaging cameras, but we had never applied company wanted to know if we could use detect an initial defect in a resistor.

www.flir.com application story

Cockpit inspections with thermal imaging technology are very accurate and time- saving. The main advantage of thermal imaging is that you can locate electrical problems very quickly and accurately. With thermal imaging you are able to immediately see which component is causing the problem.

“We encourage the use of thermal imaging The FLIR P640 allows us to view the smallest electri- cal parts and the smallest temperature differences. for cockpit inspections, because it gives us an accurate view of the condition our aircraft In addition, the test resulted in a contract is in,” comments Mr. Carsten Holm, Vice The FLIR reporting software delivers a perfectly docu- award to Thermografisch & Adviesbureau president technical at Star Air. “As a dedicated mented and detailed report of our findings to the Uden BV by Star Air for the maintenance provider of quality air cargo services, Star Air technical staff that will do the actual repairs. inspection of 11 Boeing 767-200 freight does everything in its power to guarantee aircraft. that all equipment is in perfect state and that The P640 presents more pixels, which cargo and crew can enjoy a safe flight. We are means greater temperature measurement Time-saving inspections glad that thermal imaging technology from accuracy, particularly for small objects. To the “Faulty resistors heat up, and that’s FLIR Systems helps us achieve that.” professional thermographer, this means clear, exactly the reason why thermal imaging practical benefits – and a strong competitive technology can easily detect such defects, Seeing the smallest details advantage. With the P640, you can now even very small problems in an early phase,” Thermografisch & Adviesbureau Uden BV is resolve smaller objects from further away and comments Mr. Grispen. “In the case of using the FLIR P640 thermal imaging camera, still get accurate temperature measurements. Star Air, this technology proved to be a a high-resolution thermal and visual camera perfect fit for preventive maintenance and that has a host of advanced features, which Extensive reporting capabilities electrical inspections inside the cockpit in makes it a smart choice for thermal imaging “The reporting software that comes with the general. Especially with older aircraft, which surveys. FLIR P640 is very easy to use and allows us to are subject to wear, it is critical to inspect deliver a perfectly documented and detailed connections and fittings on a regular basis. “The camera provides us with a very high report of our findings to the technical staff With thermal imaging cameras from FLIR, we resolution, which enables us to view the that will do the actual repairs. We regularly can get this job done in a fast, accurate and smallest electrical parts as well as the receive the latest updates from the FLIR cost-effective way.” smallest temperature differences,” comments software so we can enjoy extra features.” Mr. Grispen. “An additional benefit of the FLIR P640’s large color LCD is that you can FLIR certified simultaneously share your images with your Thermografisch & Adviesbureau Uden BV customer or your colleagues. For us, this is also makes use of the services of the FLIR a feature that cannot be underestimated, Infrared Training Center (ITC). “We have a because it allows us to reassure our customers team of three people that are fully FLIR and show them that we do a good job.” ITC certified,” comments Mr. Grispen. “We regularly attend trainings organized by FLIR “Also the possibility to make short movies Systems, so we are always up to date with with the FLIR P640 makes this camera a very the latest developments of the company’s handy tool to have. And finally, I think the product portfolio. As with all FLIR after-sales camera finds a very good balance between services, we are very pleased with these robustness and ergonomics,” Mr. Grispen trainings, because they help us apply thermal continues. imaging technology in real life applications.”

FLIR P640 thermal imaging camera The FLIR P640 camera is easy to operate For more information about thermal imaging and delivers accurate temperature cameras or about this application, measurements at safe distances. The FLIR please contact: P640 provides professional users, including FLIR Commercial Systems infrared consultants and professional Luxemburgstraat 2 thermographers, with a unique competitive 2321 Meer advantage. Belgium The FLIR thermal imaging camera was able to detect Tel. : +32 (0) 3665 5100 a temperature increase in the electrical wiring and Fax : +32 (0) 3303 5624 components. e-mail: [email protected] www.flir.com T820588 {EN_uk}_A