China approves STG?s WEPPS emergency lighting power system for 737NGs

A VSTC (Validation of Supplemental Type Certificate) has been granted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the use on Boeing 737NGs of STG Aerospace's Wireless Emergency Primary Power System (WEPPS).

Jim Gao of Dingrun International Corporation, STG's sales agent in China commented, "One in every seven of the world's 737NGs are flying in China so this is an important and fast-growing market for WEPPS. And at a time when operators are under financial pressure, we believe Chinese airlines will be very interested in the cost-savings they can achieve with WEPPS."

WEPPS uses new operating protocols and approved ‘fit-for-life' non-rechargeable battery modules to replace conventional NiCad battery/charger packs, reducing operating costs by eliminating the emergency lighting system's entire maintenance schedule.

There is no need to maintain the WEPPS batteries and their lifespan is potentially for the life of the aircraft. Some operators are reporting payback in less than twelve months.

WEPPS also improves safety by simplifying the inspection procedure. Conventional systems are commonly tested by engineers switching on the systems and visually inspecting MEL condition during a cabin walk-through. This assessment can be wrong, resulting in illegal operation of the aircraft.

WEPPS' diagnostic capability removes human error by allowing inspection of this MEL critical item from a single diagnostic panel placed near the galley. This module reports the true status of the whole emergency lighting system in less than 10 seconds, at the press of a button carried out by a crew member rather than an engineer.

Peter Stokes, chief executive, STG Aerospace noted, "WEPPS reinforces STG's mission to reduce the cost of operating aircraft and to make flying safer. We're delighted that yet more operators can now adopt this cost-saving technology".

"We've innovatively applied new and proven technologies in a package which eliminates maintenance tasks on a critical safety system. WEPPS reduces cost and time for operators, while also delivering exceptional safety and reliability, essential in the current economic climate."