EASA SIB CE-18-05
Kidde Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles - Fire Bottle, Portable
Summary
The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-18-05 is an FAA advisory regarding Kidde fire extinguishers with plastic handles installed in general aviation aircraft. It highlights concerns about these extinguishers potentially clogging or requiring excessive force to discharge, which could cause failure during fire emergencies. The bulletin references a recall issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission affecting 134 models manufactured between 1973 and 2017.
What Changed
SAIB: CE-18-05 introduces awareness about the recall of certain Kidde fire extinguishers with plastic handles and push-button Pindicator types. It does not mandate regulatory action but provides information on the potential failure modes and the recall details. The bulletin advises operators to replace affected extinguishers but does not issue an airworthiness directive.
Why It Matters
This bulletin matters because fire extinguishers are critical safety equipment on general aviation aircraft, and failure to activate during a fire emergency could jeopardize safety. Operators, pilots, and maintenance personnel need to be aware of the recall to ensure that aircraft carry functional and reliable fire extinguishers. Ignorance of this recall could lead to using defective equipment that compromises emergency response.
What To Do
General aviation pilots, operators, and mechanics should inspect their aircraft for Kidde fire extinguishers listed in the recall. If an affected model is found, it should be replaced with an airworthy extinguisher not subject to the recall. Stakeholders can request replacement extinguishers from Kidde following instructions provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. No specific compliance deadline is stated.