Avcon Industries, Inc has announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of non-halon portable fire extinguisher replacements in Learjet Models 24, 25, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 36, 35A (C-21A), 36A, 40, 45, 55, 55B, 55C, 60, 60XR, 70 and 75 aircraft.
Avcon and its affiliate Butler Avionics Inc, subsidiaries of Butler National Corporation are manufacturers and systems integrators for special mission aircraft moderations.
Avcon received FAA STC No. ST12087CH authorizing the replacement of existing halon fire extinguishers across the full line of Learjet aircraft.
This STC allows for the installation of Halotron BrX-filled fire extinguishers, which are designed for ease of retrofit and compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.
An application is being made for EASA validation of the Avcon fire extinguisher STC approval. The new extinguishers are designed to be size-equivalent replacements, having minimal impact on fit and compatibility.
Halon has been designated as an Ozone-Depleting Substance. Halon production has been banned in EU member states since 1994, although it has been allowed for certain “critical uses,” including in some aircraft systems.
Pursuant to European Union regulations and the Montreal Protocol, regulatory bodies, including EASA, have required that hand-held Halon fire extinguishers in airplane cabins and crew compartments be replaced with suitable alternatives by 31 December 2025.
Patrick Hupp, Avionics Manager explained: “Avcon and Butler Avionics teamed with a leading specialty fire extinguisher vendor to make available non-halon fire extinguishers to comply with the pending EASA mandate, and obtain STC installation approval for Learjets.
“The new extinguishers are engineered for straightforward installation in the same location as existing units, with provisions for additional mounting locations in some legacy Learjet models.
“We are working diligently to obtain EASA approval for the replacement fire extinguisher installation. Avcon and Butler Avionics are also working to add additional models to the STC-approved model list (AML).
“Avcon and Butler continue their commitment to supporting legacy aircraft with cost-effective regulatory solutions.”
Avcon Industries, Inc has announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate approval for the installation of non-halon portable fire extinguisher replacements in Learjet Models 24, 25, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 36, 35A (C-21A), 36A, 40, 45, 55, 55B, 55C, 60, 60XR, 70 and 75 aircraft.
