CAAi launch ICAO fire fighting foam testing service

On 14 November 2013, changes to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) fire fighting foam testing methods become fully applicable for all state members.

The revised ICAO testing protocol aims to raise the standard in fire fighting foam, requiring foam manufacturers to accommodate new product testing and certification criteria. With increasing fuel loads, growing passenger numbers and the risk of larger fires from wide-body aircraft, the new high specification ‘Level C’ foam test seeks the ultimate performance in aviation fire control and safety levels in aerodrome operations.

As an independent third party testing authority, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) through its owned subsidiary CAA International, can observe ICAO level A, B and C fire fighting foam performance tests and provide a concentrate certificate of conformity. Drawing on the CAA’s experience and technical expertise in Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), CAAi can deliver a tailored approach to ICAO product compliance and certification against internationally recognised quality management standards.