Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as guidance for, or a basis of, compliance of any regulatory or certification standards. This information must not be used as the sole basis for the certification, inspection, repair, modification, or return to service of any aircraft, product, or component. Users are responsible for consulting appropriate, approved technical data, regulatory authorities, before performing any maintenance, modification, or return-to-service actions.
Still Smoldering? Revisiting the H3R Aviation vs. Protection R.T., Inc. Dispute 10 Years Later
A decade ago, the H3R Aviation vs. Protection R.T., Inc. (PRT) fire extinguisher dispute set off a firestorm of confusion and controversy in the aviation industry.
Tom Johnson
3/5/20254 min read
Ensuring that aircraft are equipped with properly functioning fire extinguishers is a critical part of Safety. However, conflicting claims surrounding the status of Protection R.T., Inc fire extinguisher models RT-A400, RT-A600, and RT-A1200— created confusion within the industry.
At the center of this issue is a dispute between H3R Aviation and Protection R.T., Inc. (PRT) over the reliability and availability of these fire extinguishers. In March 2015, H3R Aviation, a distributor issued Service Bulletin 2015-01 suggesting potential performance concerns and discontinuation, PRT publicly refuted these claims, asserting that the extinguishers remain in production and continue to be fully operational.
Further complicating the situation, some distributors, including Boeing Distribution (formerly Aviall), list the RT-A600 and RT-A1200 as “no longer available” and suggest H3R replacement alternatives to this day.
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️
H3R Aviation lists A344T and C352 as direct substitutes for the 400/600/1200 fire extinguishers on their website. It is the responsibility of the operator/maintenance provider to verify eligibility and consult approved technical data before installation.
Failure to do so may result in regulatory non-compliance and potential safety risks. Always confirm with FAA-approved documentation, aircraft maintenance manuals, or you local FSDO before making any replacements.
Note:The mounting requirements/brackets, weights, dimensions, fire agent, inspection requirements and capabilities of the "Suggested" replacement H3R extinguisher and PRT extinguishers are not the same. Please see comparison chart located on H3R's "Discontinuation notice" Linked at the end of the article.
The Importance of Manufacturer Guidance
In this case, H3R Aviation’s bulletin (2015-01) advised users to enhance inspections on the affected fire extinguishers due to concerns about premature leakage. They further suggested that these models may no longer be available, leading some operators to seek replacements.
PRT stated that H3R Aviation did not have manufacturer authorization to issue statements regarding their products, and any claims made should have been directly confirmed by PRT before dissemination. Further insisting that their internal testing and performance records do not support the H3R’s claims and may misled customers into believing that their products were unreliable or unsafe, potentially setting operators up for non-compliance. The RT-A400, RT-A600, and RT-A1200 are still in production and have not been discontinued.
The Risk of Acting on Unverified Information
One of the key takeaways from this dispute is the danger of making maintenance or replacement decisions based on third-party claims that may not be fully accurate. If an operator removes a fire extinguisher based on misleading information and replaces it with an unauthorized or non-type-certified unit, it could lead to:
Regulatory Non-Compliance – The FAA and other regulatory agencies require adherence to the aircraft’s type certificate and manufacturer-approved components. Installing an unapproved extinguisher could lead to compliance violations.
Safety Risks – If an improperly tested or uncertified extinguisher is used, it may not function as intended in an emergency, putting passengers and crew at risk.
Operational Disruptions – Unnecessary equipment changes could result in costly maintenance delays, unexpected downtime, or the need for additional approvals.
Before making any modifications to an aircraft’s safety equipment, operators must ensure that changes align with the manufacturer’s specifications and approved aviation regulations.
Best Practices for Fire Extinguisher Compliance
To prevent confusion and ensure continued compliance, aviation operators and mechanics should follow these best practices:
Follow the Aircraft Type Certification – Fire extinguishers that were included as part of an aircraft’s type certificate should not be replaced without consulting the aircraft manufacturer or an FAA-approved maintenance authority.
Verify Claims with the Manufacturer – If you receive information suggesting a product has been discontinued or is unsafe, confirm it directly with the manufacturer before taking action.
Conduct Routine Inspections – Regardless of this dispute, all fire extinguishers should be maintained per NFPA 10 and FAA regulations, ensuring that they remain within weight and performance parameters.
Avoid Premature Equipment Replacement – Just because a distributor stops carrying a product does not mean it is discontinued. Seek out alternative suppliers or contact the OEM before switching to a different model.
Stay Informed on Regulatory Updates – Monitor guidance from aviation safety agencies, the FAA, EASA, or other governing bodies to ensure you remain compliant with evolving safety standards.
Conclusion: Safety Must Always Come First
The conflict between H3R Aviation and Protection R.T., Inc. is more than a business dispute—it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying information before making maintenance decisions.
For aviation professionals, the lesson here is clear: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and approved data before making changes to an aircraft’s equipment. By prioritizing due diligence, regulatory compliance, and proper maintenance procedures, operators can ensure that their aircraft remain safe and ready for operation.
When in doubt, consult the manufacturer —never let misinformation light you up before verifying the facts.
Sources
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️
H3R Aviation lists A344T and C352 as direct substitutes for the 400/600/1200 fire extinguishers on their website. It is the responsibility of the operator/maintenance provider to verify eligibility and consult approved technical data before installation.
Failure to do so may result in regulatory non-compliance and potential safety risks. Always confirm with FAA-approved documentation, aircraft maintenance manuals, or you local FSDO before making any replacements.
Note:The mounting requirements/brackets, weights, dimensions, fire agent, inspection requirements and capabilities of the "Suggested" replacement H3R extinguisher and PRT extinguishers are not the same. Please see comparison chart located on H3R's "Discontinuation notice" Linked at the end of the article.
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Disclaimer: The information provided by the Air Medical Mechanics Organization (AMMO) is for general informational and educational purposes only. It has not been reviewed, approved, or accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), any Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holder, Type Certificate (TC) holder, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) holder, or any aircraft or component manufacturer.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as guidance for, or a basis of, compliance with FAA regulations, manufacturer-approved data, type certificate or supplemental type certificate requirements, or any other regulatory or certification standards. This information must not be used as the sole basis for the certification, inspection, repair, modification, or return to service of any aircraft, product, or component.
Users are responsible for consulting appropriate, approved technical data, regulatory authorities, and manufacturer guidelines before performing any maintenance, modification, or return-to-service actions. AMMO assumes no liability for the use or misuse of any information provided