Foam Fire Suppression System Update – Global Aerospace Aviation Insurance
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We started writing about foam fire suppression events several years ago when we noticed trends relating to inadvertent activations of foam fire suppression systems that were affecting our clients. These false activations caused substantial aircraft damage at the outset. In the aftermath, the resultant highly disrupted hangar and flight operations for many private and charter aircraft operators as well as FBO and MRO businesses caused reputational harm and financial pain.
Our clients’ frustrations remain. These trends continue unabated and anecdotally seem to increase as a number of our clients have suffered false activations in recent months. Some of these activations were major events with multiple aircraft sustaining damage requiring expensive repairs. We have also observed false activations impacting industry participants beyond our portfolio.
The accidental discharges continue to confound aircraft and hangar operators. Paradoxically, the technological advancements that should be alleviating false activations may actually be contributing to more mishaps. Many false activations can be attributed to electrical component malfunctions often triggered by moisture contamination, electrical surges and poor design for a specific hangar environment. In a way, the advanced technologies appear to make the systems more fragile.
Reduced Fire Protection Requirements Provide Potential Relief Ahead
We are pleased to report that substantial progress has been made over the past year thanks to a number of industry influences, but in particular, due to the advocacy of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and its members.
Late in 2021, after many years of lobbying efforts by NATA and others, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) agreed to adopt changes to NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars—the primary standard for aircraft fire protection in the U.S. and elsewhere.
The standard principally requires automatic foam fire suppression systems to be installed…
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