[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 52526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24517]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Hand Fire Extinguishers for Use in Aircraft, AC 20-42D Revision

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and request for 
public comments on the proposed revision of current Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular (AC) 20-42C, Hand Fire 
Extinguishers for use in Aircraft. The proposed revision ``D'' to the 
AC provides updated guidance for the fire-fighting effectiveness, 
selection, location, mounting and safe-use of hand fire extinguishers 
in aircraft. It also identifies three FAA approved replacement agents 
for Halon 1211.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 27, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed revision to FAA AC 20-42D 
to: Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, 
Aircraft Engineering Division, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, 5th Floor, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024. attn: John Petrakis, AIR-120. You may deliver 
comments to: Federal Aviation Administration, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, 5th 
Floor, SW., Washington, DC 20024, or electronically submit comments to 
the following Internet address: [email protected]. 
Include in the subject line of your message the title of the document, 
Comments FAA AC 20-42D, Hand Fire Extinguishers for use in Aircraft.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Petrakis, Senior Aerospace 
Engineer, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification 
Service, Aircraft Engineering Division, Technical Programs and 
Continued Airworthiness Branch, AIR-120, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, 5th Floor, 
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone (202) 385-6341, FAX (202) 385-
6475, or e-mail at: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    You are invited to comment on the draft order listed in this notice 
by sending such written data, views, or arguments to the above listed 
address. Please identify ``FAA AC 20-42D, Hand Fire Extinguishers for 
use in Aircraft'' as the subject of your comments. You may also examine 
comments received on the proposals before and after the comment closing 
date at FAA offices, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, 5th Floor, SW., Washington, DC 
20024, weekdays except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m. The Director of the Aircraft Certification Service will consider 
all communications received on or before the closing date before 
implementing the revision.

Background

    The FAA developed this proposed revision to AC 20-42C with direct 
industry assistance through the International Aircraft Systems Fire 
Protection Working Group (IASFPWG). The proposed revision will provide 
users with updated guidance on available extinguishing agents. 
Specifically, the revised AC will provide guidance on the effectiveness 
and safe-use of Halon 1211 and three FAA approved replacement agents.
    It: (1) Establishes an FAA approved minimum performance standard 
(MPS) for halon replacement agents developed by the FAA Technical 
Center which requires a hidden fire test and a seat fire/toxicity test; 
(2) Recommends that users of halon extinguishers transition to using 
the new halocarbon clean replacement agents in fire extinguishers kept 
onboard airplanes and rotorcraft; and (3) Provides guidance on how to 
gain certification for halocarbon clean agent extinguishers intended to 
replace Halon 1211 hand-held extinguishers.

How To Obtain Copies

    You can get an electronic copy via the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/, and then select Advisory Circulars, 
or by contacting the person named in the paragraph FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Issued in Washington, DC on October 1, 2009.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Assistant Manager Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-24517 Filed 10-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P