Solving the Shipping Dilemma for Portable Aircraft Fire Extinguishers: Tym’s Special Permit DOT-SP 21774

Download SP 21774

Problem: Most portable aircraft fire extinguishers are illegal to ship

Federal law prohibits shipping portable fire extinguishers containing liquefied compressed gas, such as Halon 1211 and Halotron, in non-specification cylinders over 900 milliliters.

These requirements are described in 49 CFR § 173.309 and explained thoroughly in an open letter Tym’s addressed to the aviation industry.

This regulatory hurdle creates significant logistical challenges within the aviation industry, compromises safety, and leads to operational delays, regulatory enforcement actions, fines, and other penalties.

Almost all portable fire extinguishers installed on aircraft today, from small private planes to the largest commercial aircraft, are larger than 900ml, have non-specification cylinders installed, and contain a liquified compressed gas.

Therefore, they are illegal to ship.

This regulatory hurdle creates significant logistical challenges within the aviation industry, compromising safety and leading to operational delays, regulatory enforcement actions, fines, and other penalties.

Solution – Tym’s Special Permit DOT-SP 21774

Tym’s proactively addressed this issue by applying for an emergency Department of
Transportation (DOT) Special Permit (SP) to provide relief from this regulation.
Emergency processing status was granted, and the DOT Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration (PMHSA) issued DOT-SP 21774 in August 2024. A very
important revision that eliminated unnecessary restrictions and excessive burdens on
shippers was approved and issued in September 2024.

The special permit allows the aviation industry to legally ship aircraft fire extinguishers, ensuring
compliance with federal regulations and avoiding operational delays, such as grounded aircraft.
Unlike manufacturer special permits approved for the same purpose, DOT-SP 21774 does not
restrict the shipment of specific part numbers. It allows for shipment of all affected
extinguishers, even those the manufacturers have not yet recognized as being affected by the
issue or are no longer supported by the manufacturer.

How To Use The Special Permit | DOT-SP 21774

Companies can leverage Tym’s DOT Special Permit by applying for party status with the DOT.
Before using the special permit, authorization must be granted by DOT PHMSA, allowing your
company to be a “party to” the SP. Tym’s insisted on this requirement so that everyone in the
aviation industry could benefit from its use.

Party Status Benefits

Party Status allows your business to benefit from our permit without undergoing the full
application process, saving significant time, effort, and cost.

  • Time and Cost Savings: Avoid the lengthy and costly process of applying for your own permit.
  • Simplified Compliance: Ensure your operations comply with federal regulations without the usual hassle.
  • Complete Coverage: Includes all affected aircraft portable fire extinguishers, unlike manufacturer special permits which do not allow for party status.

To get started, simply fill out the form below and we’ll send step-by-step instructions on how to
apply for party status.

Related Resources

Party Status Application

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