Aircraft Fires: Fire Prevention Onboard Air

Introduction According to a report by the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), there is a mere 17 minutes from when signs of an in-flight fire are noticed and landing the plane to ensure the fire is survivable. With time of the essence, it is no doubt that fire prevention onboard aircraft is a life-saving priority for aircraft manufacturers and the agencies that regulate them. Airplane fires can start nearly anywhere on the plane; in the engine, passenger cabin, cargo cabin, or hidden in the structure of the aircraft. Smoke is a significant problem with an aircraft fire due to its ability to lessen visibility of the instrument panels. For these and many more reasons, it is imperative that an airplane land as soon as possible

Many of the improvements were from lessons learned from prior in-flight fires. One of the biggest changes in fire prevention was the advancement of interior materials. The FAA mandates that all seat cushions meet stringent flammability rules which provides a lesser chance of the material catching on fire. In addition to the seats, all panels, ceilings, walls, galleys, partitions, and overhead bins must also meet regulations on flammability. Since the cargo compartments are also a common source of fire, new panel materials have been improved to meet FAA regulations. More information on interior materials and cargo panels will be discussed later (Dorr,

Both companies strive to make the safest airplanes, prevent cabin fires, and always meet regulations by their respective agencies. While the Federal Aviation Administration governs the United States aircraft the Civil Aviation Authority regulates all United Kingdom aspects of aviation. Each agency provides regulation on materials used, detection systems, and extinguishing provisions onboard all aircraft.

Boeing approaches cabin safety with an integral approach. Since fire requires oxygen, a fuel source, and an ignition source to burn, the company attempts to separate these three factors in order to prevent or control an in-flight fire. The company uses self-extinguishing or noncombustible materials in their aircraft construction to prevent fire and also uses fire extinguishing systems should there be a need to control fire (Tutson,