Flammability Testing of Aircraft Materials: Ensuring Safety in Aerospace Interiors

In aviation, fire safety is non-negotiable. Aerospace flammability testing plays a critical role in ensuring that cabin and cargo materials meet required flammability safety standards. By evaluating how the materials respond to potential ignition sources during flight, we can maximize the protection of passenger lives. This article outlines the methodologies used in aerospace flammability testing, the real-world safety implications of these procedures, and the capabilities MGA Research Corporation offers to support industry standards.

Why Flammability Testing Matter

Heat and combustion gases caused by fires are often trapped in the cabin of an aircraft which can intensify both the fire itself and the potential harm to the occupants. An in-cabin fire is extremely dangerous due to the limited space and escape options available, which makes quick responses and fire-resistant materials critical. Understanding how fires will behave in the cabin’s closed environment is key to protecting lives. According to the FAA, approximately twenty percent of the 1153 fatalities on U.S. transport airlines between 1981-90 were caused by fires. This alarming data is what pioneered regulatory changes, design improvements, and emergency training protocols to further ensure the passenger’s safety. Flammability testing includes a number of standards for materials used in aircraft interiors, so that they will not easily catch fires, spread flames, or produce toxic smoke in the event of an onboard fire.

Flammability Methodology and Procedure

The flammability testing evaluates how aircraft materials such as foams, plastics, and textiles respond to flame exposure in scenarios representative of cabin and cargo compartments. In this procedure, a Bunsen burner flame is applied to one end of a sample for a few seconds, then the flame is allowed to continue burning across the sample. The test measures flame propagation, burn rate, and/or the presence of flaming drips, which can potentially ignite other materials. A cotton indicator placed below the sample helps assess the risk of secondary ignition caused by dripping material. These evaluations provide critical data on a material's ability to limit flame spread and reduce fire hazards in aircraft interiors, directly supporting passenger safety. Identifying the characteristics of how materials inside the cabin burn can help engineers further understand and evaluate the potential hazards associated with combustion, ultimately contributing to reducing the risks of flame spread, smoke inhalation, and secondarily ignition during onboard fires. This gives passengers a greater chance of escaping the aircraft and reduces the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities during emergency situations.

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Applicable Specifications and Standards

The flammability specifications that can be performed are:

·        FAR Part 25 Appendix F Part I (b) 4-7

·        Aircraft Materials Fire Test Handbook Chapters 1-4

·        Airbus AITM 2.0002A

·        Airbus AITM 2.0002B

·        Airbus AITM 2.0003

·        Boeing BSS 7230 F1, F2, F3, F4

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MGA Flammability Testing Capabilities

MGA Research Corporation utilizes the Deatak FAA Multi-Purposed Flammability Tester Model MP-1.5. This equipment is installed in our material laboratories located in California and Texas. MGA employs experienced engineers with the knowledge and skills required to successfully operate and execute tests via the MP-1.5 model. Our engineers finalize tests by assessing and recording each material’s burn rate and reporting visual evaluations of the melted material in accordance with our quality-controlled procedure.  

Need aerospace flammability testing? Contact us to schedule a test or consult with one of our engineers.

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