Avcon Industries Gains FAA Approval to Replace Halon Fire Extinguishers on Learjets

Avcon Industries, a subsidiary of Butler National Corporation (OTCQX: BUKS), has achieved a significant milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval to install non-halon portable fire extinguishers in a wide range of Learjet models. This move comes amid tightening environmental regulations, particularly in Europe, pushing aircraft operators to retire halon-based fire suppression systems. Avcon’s new certification covers about 20 Learjet models, including popular series such as the 24, 35, 55, 60, and 70, addressing a critical need in business aviation. 

Halon is a group of chemical compounds that have been widely used for fire suppression due to their high effectiveness at quickly extinguishing flames without damaging sensitive equipment. Its ability to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire rapidly and leave minimal residue made halon fire extinguishers particularly valuable in enclosed environments such as aircraft cabins, data centers, and critical electrical equipment rooms.

However, halons are ozone-depleting substances, and their release into the atmosphere contributes to the breakdown of the protective ozone layer shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This serious environmental impact led to international efforts to phase out and ban halon production. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, was a key global treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out harmful substances, including halons. Following this treaty, industrialized countries, including all European Union member states, banned halon production by the early 1990s, with the EU enforcing a complete production ban in 1994.

While exemptions initially allowed halon use in “critical” applications like aircraft fire suppression systems, evolving environmental regulations now require these systems to be replaced with more eco-friendly alternatives. Specifically, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated that all hand-held halon fire extinguishers in airplane cabins and crew compartments be replaced by December 31, 2025. This deadline adds urgency for aircraft operators globally to comply or face penalties. 

Avcon’s STC approval, issued as STC No. ST12087CH by the FAA, authorizes the installation of Halotron BrX-filled fire extinguishers as size-equivalent replacements in Learjet aircraft. The practical design allows for a straightforward retrofit in the same location as existing halon units, minimizing downtime and the need for structural modifications. Additional mounting options are available for some legacy Learjet models, providing further installation flexibility. This ease of transition is crucial for operators balancing regulatory compliance with operational efficiency. 

Avcon collaborates closely with Butler Avionics, both known for special mission and business aircraft modifications. They partnered with specialist suppliers to ensure the reliable supply and integration of the new extinguishers. While the FAA approval is a major step, Avcon is actively seeking EASA validation, which will solidify market access across Europe, where retrofit demand is expected to create a $20-30 million annual revenue opportunity by 2026. 

This certificate covers a broad list of Learjet models, reflecting Avcon’s intent to expand its Supplemental Type Certificate’s approved model list. Many older Learjets remain active in business, air ambulance, and special mission roles, yet have limited compliant upgrade options. Avcon’s solution addresses this gap with a cost-effective, regulatory-driven fix for the legacy fleet. 

Avcon Industries and Butler Avionics bring a long history of avionics integration, installation, and repair solutions with a focus on business and special mission aircraft. Their niche expertise in regulatory-driven modifications ensures that operators can meet evolving compliance requirements without jeopardizing aircraft performance or availability. 

Overall, the phase-out of halon fire extinguishers highlights how environmental regulations drive innovation in specialized aerospace markets. Halon’s immediate effectiveness came at a high environmental cost, and with hard deadlines like the EU’s end-of-2025 mandate, operators must adopt alternatives swiftly. Avcon’s FAA-approved retrofit answers this need, offering a path to keep legacy Learjets flying safely and sustainably as global aviation embraces greener standards.