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This is where an A & P mechanic is worth their weight in gold . Enlist their help . You will need to do a weight and balance recalculation , and obtain a field approval by an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative .
With the extinguisher selected , purchased and mounted , it is next simply a matter of following the maintenance instructions outlined on the label , and in your extinguisher manual . All fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance follows NFPA code 10 .
What it boils down to
When you first install the extinguisher , weigh it and write down the date and gross weight . Extinguishers usually hold their charge for many years unless they have been exposed to extreme conditions or are otherwise damaged .
Inspect it once a month ( or before each flight ) to ensure that the pressure gauge reads in the green zone , and that the extinguisher has not leaked or been damaged .
Even a securely mounted extinguisher can sustain damage in the confines of a cockpit . Accidentally kicking an extinguisher mounted under a seat happens , and some extinguishers are more easily damaged than others . A pilot once told me that he jumped out of his plane to extinguish a brake fire and the plastic top of his extinguisher came off , rendering it useless ! Select an extinguisher that uses metal for key components like the handle , head , bracket and siphon tube .
At the annual inspection , it should be weighed and inspected for damage . Compare the weight to the weight noted when you initially installed it . If the weight has dropped below the
Practice Makes Perfect
With your extinguisher mounted within reach , and regularly inspected , you can be confident that it will work when you need it to . But will you know how to use it ? The instructions are written on the label , but a fire emergency is not the time to read them for the first time !
A first responder told me that even professionals can “ go dumb ” in an emergency . This is why they place so much emphasis on practice .
Simulate the steps you would take in the event of a fire . Can you quickly remove the extinguisher from the bracket ? Imagine aiming the extinguisher at the base of the fire , and squeezing a steady burst of halon to knock it down .
The key word here is “ simulate .” Do not actually pull the pin and break the factory tamper seal or you will void the warranty .
An unbroken tamper seal is proof that the extinguisher has not been used .
Also , if you actually spray the extinguisher – even just a small amount – the extinguisher will begin to slowly leak .
allowable amount listed on the label , the extinguisher needs to be taken to a fire service company for service .
Every 6 years , regardless of the gross weight , the extinguisher must be taken to a fire service company for service . At 12 years , this service includes a pressure test of the cylinder .
Good news for GA Pilots !
I hope this article inspires pilots to purchase halon fire extinguishers , mount them in their plane and hangar , regularly inspect and maintain them , and practice how to use them so they ’ ll be ready when needed .
If you have questions about this article , or halon or other clean agent extinguishers , visit h3raviation . com , or email h3rinfo @ h3raviation . com .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Dieter is Senior Vice President at H3R Aviation , Inc ., having joined the Petaluma , California company nearly 20 years ago . During that time he has worked with the FAA , major OEMs , and aircraft parts suppliers to promote aviation fire protection .
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