Back in January I reported on two incidents involving Airbus A350 airliners, where pilots' beverages had been spilled onto the center console, resulting in serious technical problems. This led to an emergency order defining a "liquid free zone" in the cockpit until further measures could be developed.
Now Airbus has announced a more permanent solution (you should pardon the expression).
Airbus has developed a removable cover for A350 integrated control panels, designed to protect vital systems from inadvertent liquid spills in the cockpit, after two incidents which preceded uncommanded engine shutdown.
The cover – which protects engine master levers, thumbwheels and rotary knobs – needs to be removed during critical flight phases, including take-off, approach and landing.
But outside of these, such as during the cruise, the cover must be fitted, according to a directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
There's more at the link.
I suppose, as a temporary, short-term fix, it may work: but why not seal the console and its instruments properly during the manufacturing process? Shouldn't that have been done in the first place? Surely that would be the optimal solution to the problem? Or am I asking too much of aviation engineers and technicians?
Peter
