NATA Sponsoring Research into Foam Fire Suppression Systems in Hangars

Citing uncertainty about the balance among benefits, risks and hazards associated with foam fire suppression systems required for aircraft hangars, the National Air Transportation Association is sponsoring University of Maryland research into accidential discharges of the systems.

The study will also compare high-expansion and low-expansion foam systems and examine the rationale of the National Fire Protection Association 409 standard requiring installation in hangars.

“There is significant uncertainty surrounding the benefits versus potential hazards related to hangar foam fire suppression systems,” NATA President and CEO Gary Dempsey stated. “NATA members have repeatedly voiced concern that the cost of installing these foam systems dramatically increases the expense of new hangars, while providing limited risk mitigation due to the low incidence of hangar fires.”

NATA members have questioned whether the costs of installing and maintaining and cleaning up after accidental discharges of the systems are greater than the risks reduced, Dempsey says.

Industry comments and NATA's proposal for revision of the NFPA 409 standard are due in November. The next version of the standard will be published in 2021.