According to JD Supra, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concluded 2024 by issuing National Part 139 CertAlert No. 24-11.
This alert addresses Output Based Testing requirements after airports transition from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS to the newly approved fluorine-free foam (F3) liquid concentrate.
The certification is based on Military Specification MIL-PRF-32725.
The transition to F3 foam is part of the FAA’s initiative to eliminate PFAS chemicals from firefighting agents.
The CertAlert outlines specific testing procedures that airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles must undergo to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety regulations.
Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the FAA was tasked with developing a PFAS-free firefighting foam within three years.
Although the goal was not achieved within the stipulated timeframe, by 2024, the FAA approved F3 as an alternative to AFFF.
The CertAlert specifies that ARFF vehicles must demonstrate operational capability during all air carrier operations.
This entails comprehensive testing and certification of all firefighting systems used for ARFF purposes.
The systems must be verified to be in optimal condition for emergency scenarios, addressing concerns related to the different viscosities of F3 compared to AFFF and other F3 products.
Specifically, flow rates after transitioning to F3 have been reported to be below tolerance levels.
Once an ARFF index vehicle transitions from AFFF to F3, it must undergo both output and input testing.
The initial step involves input testing to identify and rectify any issues with the ARFF vehicles.
Airports are required to confirm the following:
Following input testing, output testing is conducted using only the roof and bumper turrets to ensure that both electronic and mechanical foam proportioning systems function correctly.
The output-based test for each turret must achieve a precision within 2.8% to 3.5%.
After completing output testing, another input test is necessary to establish a reference value for all future input-based tests.
This ensures ongoing compliance and operational efficiency of the ARFF vehicles.
Upon successful completion of the transition to F3 and the associated testing, all certificated Part 139 airports are required to notify their Airport Certification Safety Inspector.
This notification serves as confirmation that the ARFF vehicles meet the FAA’s operational and safety standards post-transition.
Failure to comply with these testing and certification requirements could result in operational deficiencies during emergency situations, potentially compromising airport safety and response effectiveness.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued National Part 139 CertAlert No.
24-11 in 2024, outlining mandatory testing procedures for airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles following the transition from PFAS-containing AFFF to fluorine-free F3 foam.
This initiative stems from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which mandated the development of PFAS-free firefighting agents.
Although the original goal was not met within three years, F3 was approved as an alternative by 2024.
The CertAlert specifies both input and output testing requirements to ensure ARFF vehicles are operationally capable during all air carrier operations.
Airports must verify discharge flow rates, seal integrity, orifice functionality, pump pressure, and disable manual foam metering valves.
After completing the necessary tests, airports must notify their Airport Certification Safety Inspector to confirm compliance.
