Many of these incidents prompted by the flightcrew to declare an emergency and either divert, turn back or request priority handling to their destination. The engineering, materials and the composition of materials used in today?s aircraft have a large degree of safety built in. However, regardless of the safety devices, functions designed and built in, when any material or chemical is heated, it will reach a flash or combustion point, at which point, an open flame is produced which can easily spread and likely will produce smoke.

Often times, prior to developing an open flame, overheated materials or components will also create smoke or fumes which can travel to the cockpit and or cabin via the environmental system. The air carriers and operators that have experienced these situations are required to submit a report to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for smoke, fumes in the aircraft. Aircraft are placed on various types of inspection programs that have been developed to find problems before they become serious.

In addition, the air carriers are also required to have a Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) for the performance and effectiveness of its inspection program and the program covering other maintenance, preventive maintenance and alterations and for the correction of any deficiencies in those programs. After each smoke incident, event, the air carrier or operator should ensure that the company follows policies, procedures, and instructions in accordance with its manuals.