Boeing warns of Battery Fires

Halon can't compete with lithium battery fires.

Read the article below

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Boeing-warns-airlines-against-flying-battery-6391418.php

Halon Phase out.

Click here for the original Aritcle: http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2014-11-20/halon-phaseout-proposed-easa

Halon Phaseout Proposed by EASA

by Gordon Gilbert

 - November 20, 2014, 1:45 PM

The European Aviation Safety Agency proposed a phase-out schedule for the use of halon in fire extinguishers in the cabins and lavatories of future Part 25 business aircraft and airliners, as well as Part 29 rotorcraft. It claims that there are currently or soon will be two non-halon alternative fire-extinguishing agents available for these compartments.

However, for APU and engine compartments, the agency is taking a “do nothing” position until weight and other technical issues for alternative fire-extinguisher agents are solved. The objective of the proposal is to “progressively mitigate the environmental impact that halon has on the atmosphere and climate change,” EASA said.

The proposed schedule calls for the replacement of halon in lavatories on newly produced aircraft starting on Jan. 1, 2016, and in handheld extinguishers on newly built aircraft starting Jan. 1, 2019. End dates for the use of halon on current and new type-certified aircraft are already in effect under EU regulations. A second proposal will address smaller airplanes and some rotorcraft used in international operations.

25TH Anniversary for ARFF Working Group Conference

25th Annual ARFF Working Group Conference & Educational Symposium "A Texas Sized 25" September 29 - October 2, 2014 -- Moody Gardens Hotel - Galveston, TX "To Promote the Science & Improve the Methods of Aviation Fire Protection and Prevention"  Who Should Attend Airline Safety Personnel Airline Station Managers Airport Ops Personnel Aircraft Accident Investigators Pilots & Flight Attendants Aircraft Rescue Firefighters ARFF Chiefs & Training Officers FAA Regional ASCI's NTSB & Airline Go Team Members TOP 5 REASONS TO ATTEND 1.  Participate in the premier event for the aviation firefighting industry 2. Interact with ARFF regulating agencies 3. Hear from ARFF subject matter experts 4. Network with ARFF firefighters and industry experts from around the world. 5.  Have Some Fun!! Current Exhibitors A-Gas RemTec Akron Brass Allison Transmission Beacon OHSS DFW Airport Fire Training Research Ctr. FareTec, Inc. FireBlast Global Fire Research Corp. FleeetChek FLIR Systems Global ARFF Services GOLD SPONSOR Morrison Maierle No Foam Systems Oshkosh Corporation Performance Advantage Co. (PAC) Phos-Check PyroLance SBRETC Setcom Corporation Simulation FTS Systems Atlanta TEEX Unruh Ward Diesel Filter Waterous Company Wesco HMB ARFF Working Group | 817-409-1100 | info@arffwg.org | http://www.arffwg.org P.O. Box 1539 Grapevine, TX 76051 August 8, 2014 Greetings! We are now only 8 weeks away from the  ARFF Working Group's 25th Annual Conference and Educational Symposium,    REGISTER NOW Feature Topics Below is a list of the topics that are tentatively scheduled to be presented: Asiana Crash and Lessons Learned Case Studies on Recent Aircraft Incidents LAX & Massport Active Shooter Incident Review & Drills FAA Headquarters Updates Incident Rehab on the Scene -- Are We Doing Enough? The Psychology of Incident Command Airport Water Rescue Planning Australian ARFF's Organizational Structure -- Examine How ARFF is Meeting its Regulatory Obligation Mythbusters... ARFF Training:  What We Think We Know Assessing the Impact of Interactive Technology on Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Training Schedule of Events Vendor Rodeo -- Monday, Sept. 29th With the assistance of Texas A&M Engineering Extension and the University of Missouri's Mobile ARFF Fire Trainer (MAFT), attendees will have the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the vendors as they demonstrate their products, services or vehicles in action.   Don't MissThis Exciting 1-Day Event. Host Hotel Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center The Moody Gardens Hotel will be the location of all educational sessions, meetings and exhibits.  Moody Gardens offers the finest in Galveston, Texas lodging accommodations on the island.  To make reservations call 888-388-8484 and ask for the the Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting rate ($149).  Reservations may also be made on-line by using the Group Code rescue. HOTEL ROOM BLOCK CUT-OFF DATE IS  FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 Ground Transportation The ARFF Working Group has selected Cool Tours as our official ground transportation supplier.  Transportation from both Houston airports will be available via Cool Tours.  Houston's Hobby airport is closer to Galveston Island and is recommended.  For airport transportation, please call Cool Tours at 409-539-5374 or e-mail steve@cooltoursgalveston.com.  Have your flight information available.  A rate for transportation will not be calculated until Cool Tours has an idea of how many pick-ups and returns will be required for both airports.  This is to get your the best possible rate.  It is important you contact Cool Tours with your flight information as soon as possible.  Once established, they will contact you with your rate for your roundtrip transportation. Avis Rent-A-Car - has partnered with the ARFF Working Group to provide rental cars at a discounted rate.  If you wish to reserve a car, call Avis at 800-331-1600.  Please mention AWD# D016562 when you call.  Reservations may also be made by using this link:  Avis Discount for:  25th Annual ARFF Group Quick Links Register On-Line Download the Brochure Exhibit with Us Visit Galveston Moody Gardens Hotel Sponsorship Opportunities GOLF OUTING Sunday, Sept. 28th Although there will be no "official" golf tournament, arrangements are being made to play golf prior to the start of conference. If you are interested in a fun-filled day of golf with your fellow firefighters, friends and vendors, please contact Alec Beard at alec.beard@gmail.com to sign-up for this event. Tee-Off is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. at the Moody Gardens Golf Course. Galveston At A Glance Moody Gardens Aquariam The Strand Palm Beach Flight Museum The Beach

Life Kit for Battery Fires on Aircrafts.

SpectrumFX Making the LIFE Kit Available to Airlines Worldwide to Fight Lithium Battery Fires in the Cabin of Commercial Aircrafts

Lithium battery fires aboard commercial airlines are a new and dangerous threat.

Tulsa, OK, October 02, 2013 --(PR.com)-- In the preceding 10 years, fire safety and fire potential aboard commercial aircrafts has changed and the challenges faced by the aviation industry to put these fires out while airborne have increased 10 fold.

Just a few years ago technology brought aboard commercial passenger airlines did not include: cell phones, lap top computers, DVD players, Readers or iPads. All of these everyday use devices can cause a new risk of fire and explosion in the passenger cabin and in cargo shipments. All of these devices and much more use the battery technology of Lithium and Lithium-ion batteries – these batteries pose a new threat aboard our commercial airlines.

Certified and aboard our commercial airlines to fight most contingencies of fires is an extinguishing product referred to as Halon, a commercially available agent that will extinguish a multitude of fires using last century technology and science. However the FAA also states; “…Halon 1301, the fire suppression agent found in Class C cargo holds, ‘is ineffective in controlling a lithium metal cell fire’ and lithium metal battery explosions can lead to 'rapid fire spread' in cargo compartments.”[1]

The range of Halon products now being used in the airline industry are no longer manufactured. By worldwide treaty Halon is being phased out because of its ozone depleting properties.[2]

A small Aviation Safety Company in Tulsa, OK, SpectrumFX, Inc., is taking new steps to offer groundbreaking safety measures to control this new risk of fire danger. SpectrumFX is now marketing its biodegradable agent in a product called the LIFE Kit. This Kit, to be carried on board, is the first known product that will assist the cabin crew in extinguishing a Laptop or other fire caused by Lithium-ion batteries aboard airlines worldwide.

For more information you may contact SpectrumFX at info@spectrumfx.net or call 918-392-9799 and you can visit their website at www.spectrumfx.net

[1] AVFLASH NEWS October 8, 2010

[2] http://www.epa.gov/ozone/intpol/

Read the full story here: http://www.pr.com/press-release/517853

9/11/01

In Honor of all who serve, near and far. 

All gave some, Some gave all... May we never forget.

 9/11/01

Airbus Wins Greentec Award for Innovative Fuel Cell Project

Airbus Wins Greentec Award for Innovative Fuel Cell Project

02 SEP 2013

Airbus’ has been awarded with the GreenTec Award 2013 for its research activities to integrate fuel cell technology into commercial aircraft. The “Multifunctional Fuel Cell Integration” analyses the replacement of the auxiliary power unit (APU) and the ram air turbine (RAT) with a fuel cell.

Günter Butschek, Airbus Chief Operating Officer said: “Airbus has always been a driver in making aviation more environmentally friendly and invests around €2bn per year in research and development to improve our aircraft’s performance. We are on track to meet the aviation industry’s short-term environmental targets that include sustainable and carbon neutral growth from 2020. Fuel cells are one of the most promising step change technologies to make our aircraft even more efficient, cleaner and quieter. The recognition of our fuel cell project at the GreenTec Awards underlines the relevance of our activities. I thank our partners and congratulate the whole team on this great achievement.”

Airbus’ fuel cell research activities focus on ‘multifunctional fuel cell’ systems which not only supply the aircraft with electric power, but also make efficient use of the by-products in various aircraft systems. The electrical energy can be used both for conventional aircraft systems but also for main engine starting and emission-free autonomous ground operations at airports. In parallel, the inert nitrogen gas replaces common halon-based fire suppression systems for the cargo hold and may be used for inerting the fuel tanks. Finally, the water can be used for the water supply system of the aircraft. Another benefit is the significant reduction in overall aircraft weight – hence reducing fuel burn and emissions in flight – as well as reducing noise and emissions during ground operations at airports.

The GreenTec Awards are awarded each year for projects on eco-management and environmentally friendly technologies. The jury is composed of experts from various areas like engineering, economy and media and is supported by representatives from the economy, science, politics and media.

     

Source: Airbus.

- See more at: http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/news-events/news-archive/2013/september/airbus-wins-greentec-award-for-innovative-fuel-cell-project#sthash.bs0oXQRP.dpuf

Boeing’s New ETOPS Offering Brings Asia Closer to the Rest of the World

by Gregory Polek

Boeing expects the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue approval for Rolls-Royce-powered 777s to fly 330-minute ETOPS missions by the end of the first quarter, followed by authorization for Pratt & Whitney-powered airplanes some time near the end of the year, according to 777 vice president and chief project engineer Bob Whittington. In December the company gained approval for operators of 777-300ERs, 777-200LRs, 777 Freighters and 777-200ERs powered by General Electric GE90 engines to fly up to 330 minutes from an alternate airport, allowing for more direct routes, less fuel burn and a reduction in CO2 emissions–particularly over the vast expanse of the South Pacific and on polar routes from Asia to North America and Western Europe.

The first airline to buy the new, longer ETOPS option–Air New Zealand–completed the first 240 ETOPS flight late last year with a Los Angeles-to-Auckland-bound 777-300ER. Whittington told AIN that the airlines that opt for the longer ETOPS capability must still gain operational approval from their respective regulatory agencies. Still in the midst of that approval process, ANZ must first fly 240-minute ETOPS for about a year before it can start flying routes requiring 330-minute ETOPS.

Meanwhile, Boeing continues to work toward European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval to satisfy the international regulatory agencies that require European certification, allowing Air France, for example, to fly from Paris to Tahiti. Whittington estimated the GE90-powered 777s would gain European paperwork within three to six months.

After Boeing worked with the FAA for some two-and-half years to win authority to offer 330-minute approval, analyzing data on each system to ensure they all met reliability standards, engineers needed to change nothing in the airplane, he said.

“The two major components that have to change to make the airplane good for extended ETOPS, whether it’s 240 or 330 [minutes] are the crew-oxygen and the fire- suppression systems,” explained Whittington. “So [the question is] if you have a fire in the cargo compartment, do you have enough Halon to keep it suppressed for 330 minutes.”

Most of the airlines interested in flying 240-minute ETOPS, for example, fly airplanes already equipped with extended oxygen and Halon options, he added.

“Air New Zealand, for instance, didn’t have to do anything to the airplanes,” said Whittington. “We updated their flight manual and they just had to get regulatory approval and they could go.”

One-engine-out Capability

In fact, Boeing’s ability to extend its ETOPS offering had less to do with any advances in technology than in the demonstration of the 777’s ability to divert on one engine from such distances. “A couple of things have happened,” said Whittington. “One is, we have demonstrated the reliability of the airplane and the engine over the past 15 years, which has given everybody comfort…we have real data that says all the systems are capable of operating at that ETOPS range. And the other thing is that the markets have developed, so where we used to fly just 747s essentially–big airplanes from hub to hub–and as the market fragments and wants to go to smaller point-to-point service, there has been more market demand for smaller airplanes that can fly point to point over such long distances.”

Now regularly using 240-minute ETOPS capability, ANZ flies a 777-300ER between the U.S. mainland and Auckland. For any airline, the capability will reveal its value most on missions between the South Pacific and the U.S. mainland, the South Pacific and Africa or South America, and polar routes between Asia–including such points as Singapore, China and Japan–and both Western Europe and the U.S., said the Boeing executive.

Flying directly over the North Pole using the 180-minute ETOPS standard requires open landing alternatives in Siberia, for example, forcing operators to re-plan the route and add fuel in the event of an airfield closure due to weather. Such diversions cost considerable fuel and time, while even a 240-minute ETOPS capability would avoid most such scenarios.
In fact, relatively few routes require 330-minute capability, said Whittington. Although Boeing’s package allows the airplanes to fly 330-minute ETOPS, most airlines need only 240. “When you start drawing 330-minute circles, there aren’t many places on the globe where you need to go from 240 to 330,” he said.

330-min South Pole Routes

Most of the routes that could benefit from 330-minute ETOPS–such as Sydney to Buenos Aires or Auckland to Johannesburg–take airplanes over the South Pole. “A typical 180 [ETOPS flight] across the South Pacific would create a dogleg,” explained Whittington. “If you fly direct, that’s 20 percent less fuel that you need to upload.”

While Air New Zealand will account for one of the few airlines that will make use of the 330-minute capability, the airline already gleans quite an advantage from its 240-minute ETOPS operation. Boeing calculations show that compared with a four-engine airplane, a 777 equipped to fly 240-minute ETOPS would save about 100 minutes in transit time, burn 20 percent less fuel and emit almost 20 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) on a route between the U.S. mainland and Auckland. The fuel savings alone equates to roughly 50,000 pounds. Compared with a 180-minute ETOPS-equipped 777, on operator would save about 30,000 pounds of fuel, or about 11 or 12 percent, said Whittington.

Boeing twin-engine jets have flown more than seven million ETOPS flights since 1985, and more than 120 Boeing operators fly more than 50,000 ETOPS flights each month.

“Really, the 767 opened the door to ETOPS,” said Whittington. “Again, it was part of Boeing’s philosophy of point-to-point service. It used to be you’d round everybody up at JFK, put them in a 747 and fly them to [London] Heathrow and distribute everybody from there. But then the engines [on the 767] had become so reliable that we were able to convince the regulatory agencies that the 767 could fly, say, from Chicago to Brussels directly.” Years later, airlines replacing four-engine airplanes with 777s over the Pacific began recognizing they could use more than the 180-minute ETOPS capability offered “out of the box,” convincing Boeing some two-and-a-half years ago to launch the 330-minute ETOPS program.

“This is the logical continuation of the Boeing philosophy of point-to-point service,” concluded Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the 777 program. “Passengers want to minimize their overall travel time. This is one more step in that direction.”

FAA seeks non-Halon fire extinguisher designs

By: John Croft Washington DC   

The US Federal Aviation Administration has launched a market survey in its search for a portable hand-held fire extinguisher that does not use ozone-depleting Halon 1211.

Though production of Halon is generally banned in developed countries around the world, its use in aviation has continued through an exemption due to the industry's "unique operational and fire safety requirements," according to the FAA.

The market survey is seeking "information to redesign or optimise an aircraft hand-held fire extinguisher using an approved streaming replacement agent on the [US Environmental Protection Agency's] significant new alternatives policy list," the FAA said in a 31 January announcement. "The target is being the lightest, smallest volume, and most practical design effective enough to replace a portable Halon 1211 extinguisher used in aircraft applications."

Testing of applicable extinguishers to prove equivalence with Halon is to take place at the agency's William J Hughes Technical Centre at the Atlantic City international airport using fire tests developed by the international fire protection working group.

The FAA plans to interview interested companies at its technical centre from 21-23 February.