Baker Aviation, a full-service aircraft maintenance, management and charter company and the master distributor of the Hot-Stop 'L' fire containment kit, has released successful test results of the high intensity flame powerplant fire penetration test of 30 minutes, twice the required time to be considered fireproof, as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations.

Ray Goyco, Jr, president, and COO for Baker Aviation Maintenance explains: “This is an intense powerplant flame penetration test that aircraft OEMs perform with FAA-registered laboratories. The test is typically a maximum of 15 minutes and is used for official fireproof or fire resistance designations by the CFR. We are excited to announce that these test results confirm our Hot-Stop fire containment kits are proven to be fireproof and withstand heat, associated with fire, at least as well as steel, while also successfully doubling the test time. We went above and beyond the minimum testing not only to prove our leadership in this market but also to demonstrate to our clients that we are dedicated to their safety and focused on protecting them from the real threat of new and more powerful lithium battery devices being brought on board aircraft today.”

The powerplant fire penetration test is used to demonstrate compliance with the aircraft powerplant (ie engine) fire protection requirements of the FAA. There are two types of fire protection designations as defined by 14 CFR 1.1; fire resistant and fire proof. Fire resistant means the capacity to withstand the heat associated with fire at least as well as aluminum alloy in dimensions appropriate for the purpose for which they are used, and fireproof means the capacity to withstand the heat associated with fire at least as well as steel in dimensions appropriate for the purpose for which they are used.

The test utilises a modified gun-type oil burner which is calibrated to provide a high-intensity flame with a minimum average flame temperature of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and minimum heat transfer rate of 4,500 BTU/hr or 9.3 BTU/ft 2-sec.

As reported by Aeroblaze Laboratory, the Hot-Stop 'L' fire containment kit successfully prevented the high-intensity flame from penetrating through its wall. The containment kit passed the five minute fire resistant test, the fifteen minute fireproof test, and the extended 30 minute test. The flame was applied for thirty minutes, then the burner was shut off and rotated out of position. No flame penetration or back-side burning occurred during testing. After examining the test sample, it was determined that the flame had not penetrated the inner layer.

Hot-Stop 'L' fire containment kits are a light-weight solution that quickly eliminate the risk of personal electronic device (PED) battery fires and contains 100 per cent of toxic smoke, associated gas emissions and potential explosions on board aircraft. Hot-Stop 'L' products are manufactured by Industrial Energy Products in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania in the US.

The bags are made up of multiple durable fabrics with a felt inner core that has a 3200ºF melting point which is sandwiched between two outer layers that have a 2,080ºF melting point, and are proven to absorb energy and fire while eliminating the escape of smoke, sparks and flames. Multiple sizes are available to fit various devices up to the large 27” x 26” vessel designed to contain defibrillators and oversized all-in-one computers.

Headquartered at Meacham International airport in Fort Worth, Texas, Baker Aviation is ARG/US Platinum-Rated and IS-BAO registered. FAA Part 145 maintenance services are also provided at the airport with expertise in airframe maintenance for Hawker, King Air, Beechjet, Citation, Learjet, Falcon, Challenger and Gulfstream aircraft. Baker is a stocking distributor of PMA Parts from Omega Aircraft Articles and has established dealerships with BLR Aerospace and Aircraft Lighting International.