Robert J. Ontiveros

An experiment was conducted at the National Aviation facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC) to determine the capabilities, necessary characteristics and effectiveness of pilot ground trainers required for developing primary aeronautical skills. Ten no pilot subjects were trained to proficiency in presolo Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight maneuvers using a fixed-base pilot ground trainer. A simplified visual display interconnected to the ground trainer, which provided the VFR environment, responded to flight control and power inputs simulating motion in the pitch, roll and yaw axes. Subject flight performance capability achieved through ground trainer instruction was evaluated by a flight check in a single-engine aircraft. Project results indicate that a positive and effective transfer of training for performing a majority of VFR presolo maneuvers can be achieved with a ground trainer and visual presentation, which provides the pilot pitch, roll, and yaw information with respect to a horizontal and directional referent. Attributes of the pilot ground trainer which contributed to positive transfer are defined. Maneuver situations which resulted in zero training transfer during aircraft validation flights are detailed. The characteristics deemed necessary for ground trainers to be effective for primary maneuver training are defines.

Maya Paabo, J.J. Comeford

A laboratory model of a flash fire cell using a high voltage arc as an ignition source was assembled and tested. The cell is designed to pyrolyze the sample in air while measuring the time of onset of a flash fire and simultaneously allowing withdrawal of gas samples for analysis. Some of the low mlecular weight products produced form the pyrolysis of flexible polyether type urethane foams were identified. The flash fire cell was used to compare the flash fire potential of polymers of potential interest to the aircraft industry. Studies of the role of smoke in flash fire produced in the pyrolysis of flexible urethanes were undertaken. Flash fires in the cell were recorded on 16mm motion picture film.

R.C. McGuire

Status of smoke/toxic gas rulemaking notices.

I.N. Einhorn, M.D. Kanakia, J.D. Seader

A study was conducted by personnel of the University of Utah's Flammability Research Center to determine the flammability characteristics and thermal degradation of urethane cellular plastics used in aircraft interiors. Initially, model urethane polymers, representative of systems used in aircraft interiors, were prepared, and the effect of the chemical structure of isocyana tes and ployols on performance during fire exposure were studied. A series of non-fireretarded rigid-urethane foams was synthesized and evaluated to serve as the basis for further research directed toward the synthesis of fire-retarded systems. Following this, a series of fire-retarded rigid foams was synthesized incorporating reactive and non-reactive fire retardants in various concentrations. The flammability characteristics of these cellular plastics'were evaluated using test methods for the ease of ignition, flame propagation, fire endurance, smoke emission, and oxygen index as criteria. Based on the information obtained, a series of optimized rigid foams, which incorporated reactive and auxiliary fire retardants, was prepared and evaluated. The optimized rigid foam systems exhibited substantial improvements in the ignition, flame propagation, and fire-endurance characteristics, and a moderate reduction in the tendency to produce smoke. Similar studies were carried out using formulations representing flexible urethane foams. Improvement in those properties governing ignition and flame propagation were !realized at the expense of increasing the smoking tendency of these flexible systems.

I.N. Einhorn

A concise review of the physiological and toxicological aspects of smoke during fire exposure has been presented. This report attempts to elucidate the parameters, both chemical and physical, which lead to smoke development, and subsequently, light obscuration, during their pyrolysis and combustion.

Analysis of recent fire statistics covering, losses during the past decade has been compiled and incorporated into the report.

Various laboratory test procedures, both small-scale and large-scale, have been summarized and a critique presented outlining their usefulness and problems encountered in interpretation of results obtained using these test procedures. A review of the physiological and toxicological parameters affecting survival of humans during fire exposure is given. Consideration is directed toward the specific hazards encountered during aircraft accidents involving fire. Recent reviews of the medical literature"pertaining to fire injury is discussed in detail.