Avcon Industries Secures FAA STC for Non-Halon Fire Extinguisher Retrofit in Learjets: A Timely Win for Sustainable Aerospace Compliance

Avcon Industries, Inc., in partnership with Butler Avionics Inc., has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of non-halon portable fire extinguishers across a wide range of Learjet models. This regulatory milestone positions Avcon as a proactive leader in sustainable aircraft modification, offering a compliant solution ahead of the European Union’s looming deadline to phase out halon-based extinguishers.

The STC Scope: Covering Legacy and Modern Learjets

The FAA STC No. ST12087CH authorizes the retrofit of Halotron BrX-filled extinguishers in Learjet models 24 through 75, including military variants like the C-21A. These extinguishers are designed as size-equivalent replacements, minimizing installation complexity and preserving cabin ergonomics. Avcon is also pursuing EASA validation to ensure cross-border compliance, a critical step for operators flying internationally.

Halon Phase-Out: A Global Regulatory Shift

Halon, once the gold standard for aviation fire suppression, has long been recognized as an ozone-depleting substance. Its production has been banned in the EU since 1994, with exemptions granted only for critical uses. Under the Montreal Protocol and EASA regulations, all hand-held halon extinguishers in aircraft cabins and crew compartments must be replaced by December 31, 2025.

This mandate has created urgency across the aerospace sector, particularly for operators of legacy aircraft. Avcon’s STC offers a turnkey path to compliance, reducing downtime and avoiding costly redesigns.

Engineering Simplicity with Regulatory Precision

Avcon and Butler Avionics collaborated with a specialty fire extinguisher vendor to engineer a retrofit solution that fits seamlessly into existing mounting locations. For older Learjet models, the STC includes provisions for additional mounting options, ensuring broad applicability. According to Avionics Manager Patrick Hupp, the goal was to deliver a “straightforward installation” that meets both FAA and EASA standards.

This approach reflects Avcon’s broader commitment to supporting legacy aircraft with cost-effective, regulation-driven upgrades, a niche that’s gaining traction as sustainability and compliance converge in aerospace operations.

Sustainability Meets Retrofit Strategy

Avcon’s achievement is more than a regulatory checkbox. It’s a signal that aerospace companies can lead on environmental compliance without sacrificing operational efficiency. As the industry faces increasing pressure to modernize systems and reduce environmental impact, retrofit solutions like this offer a pragmatic bridge between legacy fleets and future standards.

For MRO providers, fleet managers, and sustainability officers, this FAA STC is a timely reminder that regulatory deadlines are fast approaching. Avcon’s solution offers a path forward that’s both technically sound and operationally feasible.