By IAOPA
The EU has banned halon-based fire extinguishers from aircraft cabins for environmental reasons. Under regulation NCO.IDE.A.160, non-commercial aircraft over 1,200 kg MTOM are still required to carry a fire extinguisher, but aviation-certified halon-free alternatives are scarce — airlines are currently buying up all available stock — and the smallest certified models using the approved replacement agent “Halotron 2” cost around €1,500.
There is also a serious safety concern: aviation-certified extinguishers are typically rated for spaces of around 10 m³ or more, whereas a four-seat cockpit has only about 2 m³ of cabin volume. Even a two-second burst can exceed safe exposure limits for occupants, leaving pilots in the unpleasant position of choosing between fire and toxic fumes.
Fortunately, there is a better option. Compact aerosol extinguishers — designed for small spaces such as kitchens, cars, and boats — are available for under €100, are non-toxic, and pose no risk to occupants or avionics. IAOPA Europe put this case to EASA, and the agency has now accepted the argument: under NCO.IDE.A.100(4), aviation certification is only required for permanently installed equipment. Portable extinguishers stored loosely in a glove box or side pocket do not need to be certified.
Recommended actions for aircraft owners:
- Purchase a suitable aerosol extinguisher such as the eJet Aerosol (~€60) or Maus XTIN Klein (~€100).
- Store it somewhere accessible but secure — a glove box or door pocket works well — without fixing it permanently to the aircraft.
- Consider a fireproof bag and glove (~€20) for tablets and mobile phones, which statistically are the most likely items to catch fire and cannot typically be extinguished with a standard extinguisher.
This solution applies to non-commercial (NCO) private operations only. Commercial and business aviation operators remain required to carry certified extinguishers.
An official EASA communication is expected in the coming weeks.