New Safety Directive Mandates Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Piston Engine Aircraft by 2025
Description
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a new mandate requiring active carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in certain light aircraft. This decision follows a series of accidents associated with the dangerous gas, which poses a serious risk to both pilots and passengers.
Effective from 1 January 2025, the regulation applies to most piston engine aircraft, aiming to reduce the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in-flight. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, can infiltrate the cockpit without warning, leading to incapacitation and, in severe cases, fatal accidents.
A 2020 review by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) examined UK incidents and accidents dating back to 2000, identifying two fatal accidents that claimed four lives, and fifteen other events where carbon monoxide exposure may have played a role.
Hannah Foskett, Interim Head of General Aviation at the CAA, emphasized the need for increased awareness and preventive measures. "While many general aviation pilots are familiar with the dangers of carbon monoxide, passengers are often unaware of the risks," Foskett said. "This regulation is crucial in preventing future accidents and saving lives."
With the new rules, the CAA aims to improve in-flight safety for all involved, ensuring that both pilots and passengers are better protected from the invisible threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.