Fire Extinguisher

[n3437d]

OK - time for a new topic and educated (or not) responses. For some time now I have felt the need to install a fire extinguisher - "just cuz and just in case." I know Halon is the way to go or whatever the new replacement chemical will be.

My question -- the 170 cabin area is not overly roomy --- looking for ideas on where others may have mounted a small unit. Please be respectful and refrain from telling my where I should "place it."

Requirements -- should be readily available and not be in the way.

Any ideas gratefully appreciated.


Joel
N3437D

[Paul-WI]

I recently mounted mine on the front of the co-pilot's seat. Within reach and yet out of the way.

Paul
N3458D

[GAHorn]

If you don't have seat "skirts" ... the IPC has an excellent suggestion shown as mounted on the seat legs.
If you do have skirts (like my seats do as depicted in the IPC)... I mounted mine beneath the rear bench seat to the floor. If you choose this location, think about the type of mounting bracket you intend to use. It should hold the extinguisher securely by the neck so that it will not come forward and become a missle in a crash. Most loose equipment in modern airplanes are required to be able to sustain a 9-G forward load and remain in place. If your extinguisher weighs 4 lbs, then a 36 lb forward force should not dislodge it. (Also consider the amount of "lift" or room above the ext. is required to remove it for use. If you mount it too closely to other equipment/seats/etc. you don't want it to become a factor against rapid deployment.)

While Halon-types are best for aircraft use (due to their non-toxic/non-corrosive, easy cleanup) a common dry-chemical extinguisher that meets Coast Guard requirements is better than nothing. If you use a dry-chemical type, try to get one with ABC ratings (all three).

[lowNslow]

While Halon-types are best for aircraft use (due to their non-toxic/non-corrosive, easy cleanup) a common dry-chemical extinguisher that meets Coast Guard requirements is better than nothing. If you use a dry-chemical type, try to get one with ABC ratings (all three).

Definitly invest in a Halon extinguisher. Cleaning up after using a dry chemical type takes forever. It gets into every nock and cranny and you'll keep finding residue for months.

[Jr.CubBuilder]

I mounted a halon unit directly behind the tunnel between the seats, handle up, nozzle forward, I can reach down and grab it with my right hand. It uses one of those wall type bracket mounts and a pair of (I think they are called riv-nuts) and screws to hold the mount to the floor, and has one of those metal straps that use a cam-over buckle that can be popped open with one finger. It comes out real fast if you are in a hurry as I discovered when I pulled it out a moment after watching someone wad up a biplane.

It might not be an ideal location if you have passengers back there all the time, but then again it wouldn't be that bad either. The extinguisher and bracket come out for annual. I don't know if the mount would hold through a 9+g load in the horizontal plane, however since an impact of that magnitude would crush the plane like an empty beer can with me in it , I think it's adequate.

[Robert Eilers]

I mounted my halon extinguisher on the flap control lever tunnel just aft of the flap handle - forward of the fuel selector valve.

[N2865C]

I keep my halon extinguisher in the passenger seat back pocket. The 1.3 lb. with the plastic handle is a perfect fit.

[170C]

I have a small Halon extinguisher mounted under the pilot seat on a cross brace. Seat is from a later model 172 & is articulating. No skirt.

[15A]

I used 2 small cable clamps to mount mine under the pilots seat on the rod that runs diagonally front to back. Nozzle to the front with the quick release. It's out of the way and out of reach from wondering hands. A lesson I learned when my 5 year old grand daughter tripped the "yellow box" (ELT) when we departed the plane for the evening!!!

[CBogle]

I mounted a halon extinguisher upright, directly behind the rear heat tunnel on the floor between the two back seat passenger seats. I didn't need to put any screw holes in anything. What I did was took the mounting bracket that came with the extinguisher and used metal band hose clamps to mount the bracket to the middle support tube on the front of the rear seat. The bottom of the extinguisher sits on the floor and the top is about level with the bottom cushion of the rear seat. Location is eacy to reach in-flight and does not conflict with anything, even passengers in the rear seats. In addition, I have the pressure dial facing forward when mounted so it is easy to look back at any time to ensure that the extinguisher is still charged.

Another advantage, since the bracket is attached to the rear seat support, when I take the rear seat out for the annual, the extinguisher and bracket come right out with it. Also, didn't have to put screw holes in anything and the mounting is very secure.

Regards,,
Curt