November/December 2023 - 34
SAFET Y
Hangar group and operations
determine if a foam fire supression
is required. When foam is required,
there are other considerations.
AEROPLEX/AEROLEASE GROUP
Fire Suppression Standards
Understanding
Aircraft Hangar
NATA offers
a guide
for hangar
owners,
operators.
By Curt Castagna
A
34 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
irport hangars have traditionally
required a higher level of fire detection
and suppression due to their
size and use. However, modern hangars
and aircraft are now equipped
with technologies providing more
effective protection from potential
ignition sources than ever before. A rapid
response must not only consider advances
in technology, but the protection of life and
property in the event of false alarms.
There is no debate that aircraft hangars pose
unique challenges for fire protection. First, they
are three-sided structures with large open doors
and high ceilings that present a unique environment
to control smoke and fire. They also house aircraft
containing liquid jet fuel with a low flashpoint and
maintenance activities that may provide potential
ignition sources. These aircraft and their support
equipment may create obstructions to both fire
detection and suppression in the large hangar space.
With that said, hangar fires are very rare and
the risk to personnel and aircraft is low, but the
focus of fire suppression has traditionally rested on
the structure. The National Fire Protection Agency
(NFPA) sets a stringent standard for fire suppression
and building codes in aircraft hangars in NFPA 409.
Widely accepted as the industry standard, NFPA 409
helps safeguard life and property through requirements
for the proper construction and fire protection
of aircraft hangars used for aircraft storage,
maintenance or related activities.
It is important to distinguish the NFPA provides
only guidance and does not have rulemaking authority
on its own. The codes found in the International
Business Code (IBC) are the standards that prevail,
and which are adhered to by local permitting agencies.
This is a source of conflict because NFPA standards
become primary requirements when adopted
by a local jurisdiction - typically a fire agency relied
upon by building departments for internal review and
approval of hangar construction projects.
Today, more than 300 codes and standards are in
place, with interpretations varying at the local level
by authorities who exercise considerable discretion.
NFPA 409 lists various fire protection options for
aircraft hangars based on four classifications:
Group I: The hangar must have either an aircraft
access door over 28 feet in height, a single fire area
greater than 40,000 square feet, or be able to house
an aircraft with a tail height of over 28 feet.
Group II: The hangar must have an aircraft
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
November/December 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November/December 2023
A Brief Look Back at 2023
Readers Choice
Maintenance Tracking— e Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Risks of Engine Neglect
Know Your Aviation Hose Needs
Understanding Aircraft Hangar Fire Suppression Standards
How to Prepare Your Maintenance Operations for New Aircraft
Passing the Test
Harnessing Technological Advancements
November/December 2023 - 1
November/December 2023 - 2
November/December 2023 - 3
November/December 2023 - A Brief Look Back at 2023
November/December 2023 - 5
November/December 2023 - 6
November/December 2023 - 7
November/December 2023 - 8
November/December 2023 - 9
November/December 2023 - Readers Choice
November/December 2023 - 11
November/December 2023 - 12
November/December 2023 - 13
November/December 2023 - 14
November/December 2023 - 15
November/December 2023 - 16
November/December 2023 - 17
November/December 2023 - 18
November/December 2023 - 19
November/December 2023 - 20
November/December 2023 - 21
November/December 2023 - 22
November/December 2023 - 23
November/December 2023 - 24
November/December 2023 - 25
November/December 2023 - 26
November/December 2023 - Maintenance Tracking— e Good, the Bad and the Ugly
November/December 2023 - The Risks of Engine Neglect
November/December 2023 - 29
November/December 2023 - 30
November/December 2023 - 31
November/December 2023 - Know Your Aviation Hose Needs
November/December 2023 - 33
November/December 2023 - Understanding Aircraft Hangar Fire Suppression Standards
November/December 2023 - 35
November/December 2023 - How to Prepare Your Maintenance Operations for New Aircraft
November/December 2023 - 37
November/December 2023 - 38
November/December 2023 - 39
November/December 2023 - Passing the Test
November/December 2023 - Harnessing Technological Advancements
November/December 2023 - 42
November/December 2023 - 43
November/December 2023 - 44
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