Non-Halon Fire Extinguishers for Learjets Get Euro Nods

EASA and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have granted supplemental type certificate (STC) approval to Butler National subsidiary Avcon Industries and Butler Avionics for the replacement of portable Halon fire extinguishers with non-Halon units in Learjets. Announced three months after the FAA issued a similar STC, the certification allows the affiliate companies to install new Halotron BrX fire extinguishers across the full Learjet line.

Replacement fire extinguishers are filled with Halotron BrX, a more sustainable alternative to Halon, a fire-suppressing chemical and ozone-depleting substance with toxic byproducts. While the U.S. still permits Halon fire extinguishers, aircraft registered in Europe will no longer be allowed to carry them after December 31.

“Avcon and Butler Avionics are working diligently with a leading aviation fire extinguisher vendor to stock non-halon fire extinguishers to comply with the pending December 31 mandate,” said Butler avionics manager Patrick Hupp. “We are committed to making the fire extinguisher kits with FAA Form 8130 approvals and the associated STC paperwork available to customers with minimal time, [and] recognize the importance of meeting the deadline with an EASA and CAA STC-compliant solution.”

Halotron BrX fire extinguishers are designed to be the same size as the Halon extinguishers they are replacing, which minimizes impact on fit and compatibility, according to Butler National.