Interior Fire Protection?

I have been trying to research interior fire protection for use in
homebuilt aircraft, but really haven't been able to find much useful
information. I am not talking about extinguishers which I consider
"active" protection in that you must be able to reach it and activate
it, but "passive" protection for occupants in case of a cabin fire in
flight or post accident.

Is this just something most builders don't care about?

http://www.airtexinteriors.com/ will sell you interior fabrics and
covering materials that they use for FAA approved interiors. They are
fire rated/tested.

--------------------------------------------------------
SQ2000 canard: http://www.abri.com/sq2000

Fire may occur in flight, but is more likely on the ground. Sometimes it
happens when the engine is started, in which case a fire extinguisher is
handy. The most serious fire is one that occurs in an accident. In that
event, fuel may be spread throughout the cabin. The best protection is to
not have the fuel end up in the cabin - which is a design problem.

Another consideration is the clothing of the pilot. There is no sense in
making the material in the cabin fireproof, then wear synthetic clothing
that will make you a crispy critter.

Fire protection is a full package, not just window dressing.

Colin


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I believe prevention is the key here. Once you're on fire, you're
S.O.L. (unless you have a parachute and you could just jump out.
I'd put extra effort into a good fire wall with a fire blanket/padding.
The main reason a plane would catch on fire is because of leaking
fuel. Buy a good fuel line (not the clear, cheap crap) and don't forget
to cover your fuel line with Fire Sleeve. You can get both of these
(relatively) cheaply from Aircraft Spruce or Wag Aero.

Another thought: If you are very cleaver, you could hook up a trigger
in your cockpit to spray your extinguisher through a hose to spray
under the hood.

I heard someone say: "The only time you have too much fuel...is when
you're on fire"

Rex


greenwavepilot wrote:
I have been trying to research interior fire protection for use in
homebuilt aircraft, but really haven't been able to find much useful
information. I am not talking about extinguishers which I consider
"active" protection in that you must be able to reach it and activate
it, but "passive" protection for occupants in case of a cabin fire in
flight or post accident.

Is this just something most builders don't care about?

On 17 Feb 2005 16:26:47 -0800, "trex" wrote:



I heard someone say: "The only time you have too much fuel...is when
you're on fire"

a famous quote of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.

Stealth Pilot

I have some dandy firewall, exhaust pipe, insulation---Fiberfrax 1/2"
blanket.
2300deg temp rating---see Rec. aviation-marketplace for details.. Jerry

Stealth Pilot wrote:

On 17 Feb 2005 16:26:47 -0800, "trex" wrote:


I heard someone say: "The only time you have too much fuel...is when
you're on fire"

a famous quote of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.

Stealth Pilot