Butler National Corporation has secured EASA and UK CAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals for installing non-halon portable fire extinguisher replacements in Learjet aircraft through its subsidiary Avcon Industries. Avcon received EASA STC No. 10088775 and CAA STC No. 00484 which approve the replacement of existing halon fire extinguishers across the full Learjet line.

The approval covers Halotron BrX filled extinguishers that meet EASA requirements and the units are designed as size equivalent replacements that have minimal effect on fit and compatibility. The approved models list covers Learjet models 24, 25, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 36, 35A (C-21A), 36A, 40, 45, 55, 55B, 55C, 60, 60XR, 70 and 75 aircraft. The FAA previously issued ST12087CH for the Avcon extinguisher replacement solution.

Halon is designated an ozone depleting substance and production has been banned in EU states since 1994 although use continues for certain critical applications. In line with EU regulations and the Montreal Protocol EASA requires operators to replace handheld halon extinguishers in cabins and crew compartments by 31 December 2025.

“Avcon and Butler Avionics are working diligently with a leading aviation fire extinguisher vendor to stock non-halon fire extinguishers to comply with the pending December 31 2025 mandate. The EASA and CAA STC approval of the Avcon replacement fire extinguishers for Learjets are significant milestones,” says Patrick Hupp avionics manager at Butler National Corporation. “I have had many inquiries for fire extinguishers to date. We are committed to making the fire extinguisher kits with FAA Form 8130 approvals and the associated STC paperwork available to customers with minimal time. We recognise the importance of meeting the deadline with an EASA and CAA STC-compliant solution. The EASA CAA and FAA STCs reflect significant efforts to comply with the stringent issue paper requirements for fire extinguisher installations into airplanes. We believe that differentiates our solution for other non-STC options.”

“The replacement non-halon extinguishers are engineered for straightforward installation in the same location as existing units with provisions for additional mounting locations in some legacy Learjet models,” adds Hupp. “The modification to replace the fire extinguisher should be accomplished very quickly. Avcon and Butler are known for cost-effective and timely regulatory aviation solutions.”