Halon is a group of halogenated hydrocarbons that have been used in fire extinguishers for decades - especially in aviation, where compact, reliable and residue-free extinguishing agents are required. However, halons have a decisive disadvantage: they are considered to be extremely ozone-depleting<\/strong> and also contribute to the Greenhouse effect<\/strong> with. Their production has been banned within the EU since 1994, but exemptions in aviation continued to apply - partly due to the lack of equivalent alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the increasing development and availability of halon-free extinguishing agents<\/strong>in particular to Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)<\/strong> or CO\u2082 basis<\/strong>this special regulation is no longer tenable. The March 2025 updated Guide to the halon replacement strategy<\/strong> (published by EASA and DG CLIMA) specifies how the changeover is to take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regulation concerns all aircraft<\/strong> within the EU - regardless of size, intended use or authorisation status:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Responsibility for the conversion lies with the Aircraft owners and operators<\/strong>. Violations may result in future operating restrictions or complaints during the airworthiness review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The switch to halon-free alternatives is not only a technical challenge, but also a Regulatory measure<\/strong>. The replacement of a fire extinguisher is a Intervention requiring modification<\/strong>which requires different authorisation procedures depending on the aircraft class and certification:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Permitted routes for installation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> For many common aircraft types (e.g. Cessna, Piper, Diamond) there are already approved kits or instructions for retrofitting. It is important that the new fire extinguisher in the sample manual and the maintenance documentation<\/strong> is entered and the respective Complies with authorisation requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CAMOs (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations), CAOs (Combined Airworthiness Organisations) and approved Maintenance companies<\/strong> should be contacted at an early stage in order to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operators should also clarify whether the manufacturer has already halon-free fire extinguishers<\/strong> is listed as standard equipment in the IPC (Illustrated Parts Catalogue) or AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual). This can simplify the process considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some proven halon-free fire extinguishers for aviation are based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that the new extinguisher:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The elimination of halon in aviation is a small but significant step in the direction of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation<\/strong>. At the same time, it is an expression of a internationally coordinated climate protection strategy<\/strong>which other ICAO states are also increasingly following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWho is affected?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat exactly is regulated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHow is the conversion carried out?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nRecommendation: Act now!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nTechnical alternatives: What is authorised?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nConclusion: small measure, big impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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