New advice on flammability requirements for light aircraft

CASA has issued updated advice on the flammability requirements for the interior of light aircraft.

In a revised airworthiness bulletin (25-016 Issue 2), CASA provide guidance to owners, operators and maintenance organisations regarding flammability requirements for aircraft.

In a Q&A format the regulator provides information on the flammability requirements in different aircraft categories, describes methods to show compliance with requirements and highlights some typical issues which may arise during interior repairs or replacements.

“Owners, operators and maintainers of aircraft need to be aware of the flammability standards for their aircraft type when repairing or replacing interior materials,” CASA says. “This includes interior panelling, floor coverings, seat cushions, seat belts, curtains, padding and cargo liners.”

CASA advises that the minimum flammability requirement for light aircraft is for materials to be flame resistant, meaning that they are not susceptible to combustion after a fire ignition source is removed.

“When carrying out interior repairs or replacements there are three ways to make sure the applicable flammability requirement is met,” CASA explains. “The easiest way is to ensure all repairs and replacements are done in accordance with approved data from the manufacturer.

“If this is not done, materials that have been already been flammability tested must be obtained from an approved supplier, or samples of materials to be used in an aircraft must be tested for flammability.”

To read the aircraft interior flammability airworthiness bulletin in full click here.