presented by: claire fleece a solution to fighting inaccesible fires

Presented By: Claire Fleece

A Solution to Fighting Inaccesible Fires

Agenda

• Hidden Fire Statistics• NTSB Recommendations• What is a FAST-PORT Tm ?• Benefits of FAST-PORT TM

Inaccessible Fires

• Smoke or fire incidents occur on an average of at least three U.S. flights a day.

• More than 350 unscheduled landings occur annually due mainly to In-flight smoke and fires in inaccessible areas.

2000 Air Line Pilots Association Study

• More than half the incidents were “high temperature” events, such as sparking and arcing.

• 82% were related to electrical systems or

components.

Boeing Analysis of In-Service Smoke, Fumes and Fire Events

• Smoke is always a significant issue with operational consequences.

• Consequences include: – Flight schedule disruptions– Air turn backs– Airplane diversions– Declared emergencies– Accommodations for displaced

passengers– Extensive unscheduled maintenance– Not to mention cost of life!

Summary of Reported Smoke Events in Pressurized Areas

Smoke Event Sources

In-Flight Fires Cited in NTSB 2002 Recommendations

• Delta Flight 2030, MD-88, emergency landing, Sept 17, 1999 Flight attendant discharged halon extinguisher into sidewall vent to extinguish fire beneath the vent.

• AirTran Flight 913, DC-9-32, emergency landing Aug 8, 2000. Smoke in the forward cabin was caused by electrical arcing in the bulkhead behind the captain’s seat. The arcing ignited interior panels, which continued burning after the airplane was landed and the passengers were evacuated.

AirTran Flight 913

Fire in Bulkhead ignited Interior Panels

In-Flight Fires Cited in NTSB 2002 Recommendations

• American Flight 1683, MD-80, emergency landing, Nov 29, 2000. Lightening struck the aircraft and induced arcing. A Halon extinguisher was discharged into an access hole cut into a ceiling panel with a pocketknife, extinguishing fire.

• Air Canada Flight 797, DC-9, emergency landing, June 2, 1983. The flight attendant saw smoke coming from the seams between the walls in the lavatory. A fire extinguisher was aimed at the paneling and seams. 23 passengers were unable to evacuate and died in the fire. The airplane was destroyed.

Air Canada Flight 797

23 Passengers died and the plane was destroyed.

NTSB Safety 2002 Recommendations

• (A-01-86) Develop and require implementation of procedures or airplane modifications that will provide the most effective means for crewmembers to gain access to areas behind interior panels for the purpose of applying extinguishing agent to hidden fires.

NTSB Safety 2002 Recommendations

• As part of this effort, the FAA should evaluate the feasibility of equipping interior panels of new and existing airplanes with ports, or some means to apply extinguishing agent behind interior panels

FAST-PORT TM

(Fire Access SafeTy Port)

• LTMC has developed the FAST- PORT TM to meet this critical need.

• The FAST- PORT TM provides a clear path into inaccessible areas allowing the extinguishing agent to be applied to hidden fires.

Gain Access to Inaccessible Fires

A flight crewmember:

• Locates the FAST-PORT TM closest to the smoke source.

• Opens the FAST-PORT TM and inserts the fire extinguisher nozzle.

• Disperses extinguishing agent into a previously inaccessible area.

FAST-PORT TM Technology

• Provides Excellent Dispersal and Optimum use of the available extinguishing agent.

• Saves Previous Time by eliminating the need for a crew member to pry off panels or use a fire axe as recommended in FAR 121.417 crew training.

FAST-PORT TM Technology

• Offers a Non Destructive Method of gaining access. Fire axe usage can contribute to the escalation of the emergency.

• Reduces the possibility of “blow back” of the extinguishing agent into a crew members face.

• Has a Tamper Evident Design for easy pre-flight inspection.

FAST-PORT TM Testing

• Objective: Determine the effectiveness of a FAST-PORT TM used to extinguish Class “B” hidden fire using a 2 ½ lb. Halon Fire Extinguisher charged to 125 PSI.

• Fire was created in an aluminum fire box containing cotton balls soaked in lighter Fuel containing Naptha.

• The FAST-PORT TM was located at varying distance from the source of the fire.

FAST-PORT TM Test Procedure

• Class “B” fire was started in box using cotton wading and Lighter Fuel.

• Box was sealed.• FAST-PORT™ was opened.• Fire extinguisher nozzle was inserted.• Halon was released into box (See chart for

time released.)

Halon Extinguisher Release Time

Time to Extinguish

Fire1 Second 1.45 seconds2 Seconds 1.1 seconds1 Second 1.3 seconds

Test Area: 3,456 cubic inchesFire Distance from FAST-PORT™ : 34”

Halon Extinguisher Release Time

Time to Extinguish

Fire1 Second 0.7 seconds2 Seconds 0.2 seconds1 Second 0.6 seconds

Test Area: 2,304 cubic inchesFire Distance from FAST-PORT™ : 22”

Halon Extinguisher Release Time

Time to Extinguish

Fire1 Second 0.1 seconds2 Seconds 0.1 seconds1 Second 0.1 seconds

Test Area: 1,152 cubic inchesFire Distance from FAST-PORT™ : 10”

FAST-PORT TM Model 9500

• Designed to be retrofitted into spare circuit breaker positions, electrical bays, or in the proximity of electrical sources.

FAST-PORT TM Model 9500

• Designed with a high profile which enables a flight crew member to easily locate in a smoke filled environment.

FAST-PORT TM Model 9600

• Ergonomically designed for cabin installations with passenger safety in mind.

FAST-PORT TM Model 9600

• Enable access to a multitude of hidden areas: overhead panels, galleys, entertainment systems, lighting units, etc.

FAST-PORT TM Benefits

• Cost Effective

• Easily Retrofitted into Existing Aircraft

• Custom Engineered for New Aircraft

• No Modifications to Electrical or Hydraulic Systems

• No Impact on Weight and Balance

FAST-PORT TM Benefits

• Works with FAA Cabin Approved Fire Extinguishers

• Approved by Canadian Civil Aviation Transport Authority Lear/ 24, 25, 28, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 35A, 36, 36A, 55, 55B

• Approved by Federal Aviation Administration in

• U.S. Patent Approved/European Patent Approved

For More Information:

Claire Fleece(631) 859-1076

cfleece@fast-port.com