This website uses cookies
More information
Marsh Brothers Aviation
Marsh Brothers Aviation
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.
Related background information from the Handbook...
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

NATA proposed changes incorporated into latest NFPA 409
NATA has long advocated that aircraft hangar foam fire suppression requirements within the previous versions do not reflect the reality of the current risk of fuel fires.

The 2022 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars has incorporated changes proposed and supported by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), providing aviation businesses the tools to protect against fire without the use of foam fire suppression systems.

The NFPA Standards Council approved and published the 2022 edition containing provisions that create an alternative performance-based design process allowing modification of any part of the NFPA 409 standard; create a risk assessment process that allows businesses to propose alternative fire protection schemes with or without foam​​​​​; exempt Group II hangars that prohibit hazardous activities from foam requirements​​​; and approve the use of ignitable liquid floor drainage systems in lieu of foam systems.

NATA and its members have long advocated that aircraft hangar foam fire suppression requirements within the previous versions of the standard do not reflect the reality of the current risk of fuel fires, nor do they consider the public and private liability and expense of environmentally hazardous clean-up after accidental system discharges.

“The 2022 NFPA 409 standard better reflects the current operating environment, which has evolved significantly since its original writing in 1966. This breakthrough represents another example of NATA and its members uniting to leverage the broad support of industry experience and expertise to assist in aligning the new standard with the actual risk of fire,” says NATA president and CEO Timothy Obitts.

The NFPA 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars is the primary standard for hangar fire protection and is referenced by the international building code; the international fire code; and state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations. Prior to this revision, NFPA 409 required most modern general aviation hangars to have automatic foam fire suppression systems installed.

Other News
 
Organisations warn of budget harm to an essential American industry
March 18, 2024
President Biden has unveiled an FY25 budget plan that includes a five-fold fuel tax increase on business aviation as well as changed depreciation schedule for a purchased business aircraft from five to seven years.
NATA strengthens aviation security advocacy and expertise
March 12, 2024
Berry becomes NATA vice president of education and safety
January 14, 2024
In this key leadership change, Steve Berry will lead the strategic vision for, and oversight of, NATA's education and safety initiatives, including the Safety 1st Training Center and Safety 1st onSITE.
Go Rentals completes NATA Safety 1st training programme
December 28, 2023
Go Rentals has become the first rental car company to implement a customised training programme under the NATA Safety 1st Training Center's new ground transportation safety standard.