NAVAIR PATUXENT RIVER, MD -- Interested media are invited to view arc fault circuit breaker technology in use aboard the FAA’s Boeing 727 flying test bed during an “Open Plane” visit here Tuesday (July 2), from 10-11 a.m.

Aircraft arc fault circuit breaker technology is being developed jointly by the Naval Air Systems command, the FAA and industry and will protect civilian and military aircraft from wiring-related mishaps.

Arc faults occur when damaged, aged or otherwise degraded wiring allows current to arc from the wire itself to another conductor (such as another wire to a flight critical component, or to a fuel or hydraulic line) – sometimes with catastrophic results.

Media will have the opportunity to view the technology in use aboard a commercial representative aircraft, as well as interview program officials and engineers involved in its development and testing.

Media representatives interested in participating should contact John Milliman at 301-995-7410 or [email protected] by 4 p.m. today and be prepared to give their social security numbers. Due to the short-notice nature of this event, only U.S. citizens will be allowed to participate.