SHERIDAN, WYOMING - December 4, 2025 - Butler National Corporation's Avcon Industries has secured European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approvals for its non-halon portable fire extinguisher retrofit on Learjet cabins, giving operators a certified, drop-in path to meet the looming December 31, 2025 halon phase-out deadline. The new approvals extend an earlier FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and position Avcon as a one-stop regulatory solution provider for Learjet fleets operating across North America, the UK and Europe.
Halon Phase-Out Drives Urgent Retrofit Decisions
For business jet operators, the non-halon transition is no longer theoretical. Under EU regulations implementing the Montreal Protocol, hand-held halon fire extinguishers in airplane cabins and crew compartments must be replaced with approved alternatives by the end of 2025. Halon has been classified as an ozone-depleting substance for decades, with production banned in EU member states since 1994 and only tightly controlled "critical use" exemptions remaining in aviation.
This combination of regulatory pressure and hard dates is forcing fleet owners, MROs and Part 145 shops to lock in hardware choices, STC coverage and supply chains now-especially for mixed or aging fleets where cabin hardware can vary by tail number and production block.
Full Learjet Line Now Covered Under EASA and CAA STCs
Avcon's latest approvals-EASA STC No. 10088775 and CAA STC No. 00484-authorize the replacement of existing halon extinguishers across the full Learjet family. The approved models list spans Learjet 24, 25, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 36, 35A (C-21A), 36A, 40, 45, 55, 55B, 55C, 60, 60XR, 70 and 75 aircraft.
The solution uses Halotron BrX-filled portable extinguishers designed as size-equivalent replacements to minimize fit, compatibility and mounting changes in the cabin. The new units meet EASA performance and environmental requirements while preserving familiar handling, making them operationally straightforward for flight crews transitioning from legacy halon bottles.
These new European approvals build on FAA STC No. ST12087CH, which already covers the Avcon replacement solution for U.S.-registered Learjets. Together, they give operators a consistent, globally recognized certification basis for cabin extinguisher upgrades.
Drop-In Installation Minimizes Downtime and Engineering Risk
From a maintenance and planning perspective, Avcon has engineered the extinguisher change as a low-friction retrofit that can be slotted into scheduled checks. The replacement units are designed to install in the same locations as existing bottles, with provisions for additional mounting points on some legacy Learjet models where operators want enhanced coverage or cabin reconfigurations.
"The replacement non-halon extinguishers are engineered for straightforward installation in the same location as existing units, with provisions for additional mounting locations in some legacy Learjet models. The modification to replace the fire extinguisher should be accomplished very quickly. Avcon and Butler are known for cost-effective and timely regulatory aviation solutions." Concluded Mr. Hupp.
By minimizing structural changes and cabin disruption, the Avcon STC can typically be embodied during routine maintenance visits, helping operators avoid special downtime events or lengthy engineering reviews just to achieve halon compliance.
Stock, Paperwork and Mandate Readiness for December 31, 2025
With the regulatory deadline now weeks away, parts availability and paperwork readiness are as critical as the STC itself. Avcon and Butler Avionics are coordinating with a leading aviation fire extinguisher OEM to stock non-halon units specifically tailored to the Learjet fleet and backed by required regulatory documentation.
"Avcon and Butler Avionics are working diligently with a leading aviation fire extinguisher vendor to stock non-halon fire extinguishers to comply with the pending December 31, 2025 mandate. The EASA and CAA STC approval of the Avcon replacement fire extinguishers for Learjets are significant milestones," said Patrick Hupp, Avionics Manager. "I have had many inquiries for fire extinguishers to date. We are committed to making the fire extinguisher kits with FAA Form 8130 approvals and the associated STC paperwork available to customers with minimal time. We recognize the importance of meeting the deadline with an EASA and CAA STC-compliant solution. The EASA, CAA and FAA STCs reflect significant efforts to comply with the stringent issue paper requirements for fire extinguisher installations into airplanes. We believe that differentiates our solution for other non-STC options." Added Mr. Hupp.
For operators, this means a single, packaged path to compliance: hardware, STC data and FAA Form 8130 tags supplied as a kit, ready for installation by in-house maintenance teams or authorized MRO partners.
Strategic Value for MROs, Fleet Owners and Lessors
Beyond environmental compliance, the new STCs give MROs, corporate flight departments and aircraft lessors a clear, repeatable standard for non-halon conversions across diverse Learjet fleets.
- MROs can incorporate the Avcon kit into standard workscopes, improving quote accuracy and reducing project risk.
- Fleet operators gain a harmonized solution for mixed-age fleets, reducing training and spares complexity.
- Lessors and sellers can use STC-backed non-halon installations as a differentiator in pre-purchase inspections and lease negotiations, especially for aircraft destined for European or UK registries.
With regulatory pressure increasing on ozone-depleting substances and cabin safety equipment, the Avcon solution also positions Butler National as a go-to partner for future sustainability-driven retrofits beyond fire protection.
For kit availability, lead times and model-specific installation details, operators can contact the Avcon sales team at sales@avconindustries.com.