EC135 Fan Fail

[mcampbell]

On the EC135P2+, can anyone explain the "FAN FAIL" segment light below the engine control panel? Purpose and function? Any help and/or reference would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[ShyTorque]

I don't fly that type but on others I have flown, a similar caption refers to a cooling fan for the EFIS units.

[mcampbell]

ShyTorque, Thanks for your reply. I tend to agree that it would have something to do with the Avionics/Displays in the dash. The EC135 has caution lights which will display on the Cautions/Advisory display "CAD FAN" and "VEMD FAN" along with a "FAN" indication that will display on the PFD and ND dealing with the FCDS, however, there is no mention in the RFM (including any flight manual supplements) or any Eurocopter manuals (at least the one's that I have) where I can find any specific mention of this particular "FAN FAIL' segment light. Strange.....One would think this would be listed somewhere in the EP or Limitations section of either the baseline RFM or FMS.

[eivissa]

Hopefully this clarifies your question

Caution

Description

Location

[eivissa]

CAD fan message

VEMD fan message

TST pushbutton for rackfan selftest

[JimEli]

The light is not a component of the basic aircraft or covered in the basic P2+ RFM/FMS. My guess is it’s probably a component of an STC (Metro SPIFR kit perhaps?). Or is it installed on an aircraft with CDS panel? As shown above, the CPDS FAN failure warning is displayed on the PFD which refers to a failure of an avionics rack fan (see the RFM SUPPLEMENT FOR SINGLE/DUAL PILOT IFR OPERATION KIT).

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by mcampbell

On the EC135P2+, can anyone explain the "FAN FAIL" segment light below the engine control panel? Purpose and function? Any help and/or reference would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

There are several "FAN" failure possibilities that depend on the configuration of the instrument panel, to include 3rd party indications for certain types of avionics installs. The above examples show the most popular. Do you have CDS, CPDS, and/or FCDS? With various panel layouts, I can't picture a "fan fail" light below the engine control panel, if by that you mean the FADEC switches.

Originally Posted by JimEli

My guess is it’s probably a component of an STC (Metro SPIFR kit perhaps?). Or is it installed on an aircraft with CDS panel?

It depends on the panel config. The pelican rack mentioned above is part of the FCDS which is an Airbus option. The CDS is stand alone. The next level would be a CPDS and it is a different system than the FCDS. The Metro STC only adds to the FCDS. There is a regular mx check of both pelican rack fans.

[mcampbell]

The "FAN FAIL" segment that I am referring to is a segment light below the Engine Control Panel (the one with the FADEC switches) next to the High NR switch. The "FAN" mentioned above is displayed on the PFD/ND dealing with the FCDS Pelican Racks. The "CAD FAN" and "VEMD FAN" caution messages are displayed on the CAD. Sorry I am unable to post a Pic as I have not been an active member long enough and PPRUNE indicates I have to make 10 posts before I can upload a Pic. Possibly a Metro Mod as mentioned above however it is pictured in all of the FSI manuals and FSI cockpit posters. Also installed in each of the aircraft I have seen/flown. Thank you all for your help! Maybe I am missing something but I have not been able to get the answer after searching many publications and inquiring many instructors.

[Ascend Charlie]

Well, if my "altidute" reached "one hundert feet" I would expect an "interest low level" light to come on.

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by mcampbell

The "FAN FAIL" segment that I am referring to is a segment light below the Engine Control Panel (the one with the FADEC switches) next to the High NR switch.

Since you covered most of the "FAN" possibilities, without a picture I would lean toward a 3rd party avionics install. With a P2+, the High NR switch can be installed where ever there is vacant panel space per the SB. If you had a P2i, it would be in a specific place. If you can send a link to the FSI cockpit posters you mentioned it may help.

[RVDT]

More than likely a Metro mod as just about every 135 delivered in the US was completed by them rather than AHI.

Single Pilot IFR Avionics Installation Kit PN 135M-I50 and I35M-250 installed by Metro Aviation, Inc. in the ECI35 helicopter.


EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MANUAL

SINGLE PILOT IFR AVIONICS INSTALLATION

PART I SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

CHAPTER 23


As a requirement for IFR the GPS system requires forced air cooling for the GPS/NAV/COM System.
A supplemental avionics fan is installed to provide this as well as for the transponder for added reliability.

[JimEli]

Thanks RVDT.

The FSI simulator and documents reflect an actual serial numbered aircraft. It’s my belief that was a PHI P2+ with a Metro SPIFR modification. The RFM for the aircraft containing the “FAN FAIL” switch should incorporate the STC FMS with full explanation.

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by mcampbell

The "FAN FAIL" segment that I am referring to is a segment light below the Engine Control Panel (the one with the FADEC switches) next to the High NR switch.

Is this the "FAN FAIL" light you indicate at the lower left panel area just above the RCU?

[mcampbell]

wrench1-yep thats the one.

[mcampbell]

Thanks RVDT thats good information!

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by mcampbell

wrench1-yep thats the one.

Well, it's not for the SPIFR avionics fan. At least per the install drawing below. I seem to remember in previous 135 models there was an "overheat" light in that same position. It could be it is an Airbus temperature system that's been relabeled??? Perhaps a quick call/email to Metro will get your answer: https://www.metroaviation.com/contact/

[mcampbell]

Solved!

Thanks to everyone that replied and led me in the correct direction. I contacted Metro and it is indeed a part of their install. The air-condition STC to be exact. It is as mentioned above, related to an additional avionics cooling fan behind the instrument panel.