The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) requiring replacement of portable Halon 1211 fire extinguishers manufactured by Fire Fighting Enterprises, Ltd.
The AD comes on the heels of a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom, which informed the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) that significant quantities of Halon 1211 gas, determined to be outside the required specification, were supplied to the aviation industry for use in fire extinguishing equipment. The Halon 1211 was used to fill certain Fire Fighting Enterprises portable cabin and toilet compartment fire extinguishers that are now likely to be installed in or carried on board aircraft.
The contaminated nature of this gas, when used against a fire, may provide reduced fire suppression, endangering the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. In addition, extinguisher activation may lead to release of toxic fumes, possibly causing injury to aircraft occupants.
The AD, which becomes effective Jan. 20, requires aircraft owners to replace the portable Halon 1211 fire extinguishers within 90 days.
For more information: Regulations.gov