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Code Update - April 2022


Keeping up with code change proposals and the code cycle can be an overwhelming task. I want to make it easier for you. I am involved in the codes and standards for three specific industries: security, aviation, and technology.  At the beginning of every month I will send out an update on what's happening, and what's next.
You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.


Security Codes and Standards


NFPA 730, Guide for Premises Security - Related News


NFPA 1321, Standard for Fire Investigation Units - Related News


NFPA 2800, Standard on Facility Emergency Action Plans - Related News



Aviation Codes and Standards


NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports - Related News


NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars - Related News

NFPA 415, Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways - Related News


NFPA 440, Guide for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Operations and Airport/Community Emergency Planning - Related News


NFPA 461, Standard for Fire Protection of Spaceport Facilities - Related News


Technology Codes and Standards


NFPA 915, Standard for Remote Inspections - Related News


NFPA 2400, Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Related News



NFPA 950/951, Standard for Data Development and Exchange - Related News





Want to change the world? You might have to change a code or standard first. Learn how with this free guide, Affecting Change Through Codes and Standards.


Have questions, issues, or concerns? Schedule a free consultation with me.


Contact me through my website at, www.aaronj.org.


You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.
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Vertiport Design for Fire Protection Professionals [a Review of the FAA Engineering Brief]


A few weeks ago the FAA released a draft version of its Vertiport Design Engineering Brief. I have compiled the most important information that would be applicable to fire protection professionals who may be reviewing these plans, working through a concept of operations, or ultimately required to respond to emergencies.

This document has been created to provide facility design guidance  for VTOL aircraft powered by “electric motors and utilizing distributed electric propulsion in contrast to propulsion systems built solely around an internal combustion engine.” This guidance applies to modification of existing facilities and construction of new facilities. This guide is required to be followed by any vertiport projects that receive federal funding and by federally obligated airports. These facilities will also be required to comply with 14 CFR Part 135, Operating Requirements: Commuter and On Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons On Board Such Aircraft.

This design guide is based on pilot-on-board, visual flight rule operations, and aircraft characteristics as modeled in the below chart. The chart below was created from a composite of nine different eVTOL aircraft currently being developed. 



Terminology and Definitions


  • Composite Aircraft: the composite aircraft represents an VTOL aircraft that integrates the performance and design characteristics of nine VTOL aircraft currently in development. This composite aircraft is used to specify the performance and design characteristics for the purposes of vertiport design in this engineering brief.

  • Controlling dimension (CD): The CD is the longest distance between the two outermost opposite points on the design VTOL aircraft (e.g., wingtip-to-wingtip, rotor tip-to-rotor tip, rotor tip-to-wing tip, fuselage-to-rotor tip), measured on a level horizontal plane that includes all adjustable components extended to their maximum outboard deflection.

  • Design VTOL aircraft: The design VTOL aircraft is the largest electric, hydrogen, or hybrid VTOL aircraft that is expected to operate at a vertiport. This design aircraft is used to determine the size of the TLOF, FATO and safety area. Note that the design VTOL aircraft is different from the composite aircraft used to define the performance and design criteria in this engineering brief.


Vertiport Dimensions and Markings


Any vertiport that is being built on a federally obligated airport must submit an Airport Laoyout Plan (ALP). Current heliport facilities that are being converted to vertiports will be required to submit a Form 7480-1 for re-designation as a vertiport.  Additionally, any State of local regulations must be followed. These can be found at, https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/state_aviation/.


The VTOL landing area is required to be based on the controlling dimension (CD) of the design aircraft that will be using the facility. Those design criteria are depicted below:




The vertiport landing and safety areas are required to be marked as shown in the diagram below:



This brief also establishes and defines the an official vertiport identification marking:




Charging and Infrastructure


This engineering brief acknowledges the hazards and challenges of eVTOL charging and infrastructure. “Current charging standards for light duty vehicle charging (up to 350kw) align with multiple light electric aircraft currently applying for certification. However, higher capacity batteries and novel systems for meeting operation characteristics may require alternative chagrin methods including mobile charging systems, fixed battery storage, cable and/or on-board battery cooling, or other concepts.”  The guide then refers the user to a collection of standards that should be reviewed and applied. 


Firefighting Considerations


A brief section on firefighting acknowledges that there is no clear guidance on extinguishing fires related to these VTOL aircraft. A study is cited that states water is more effective for cooling, preventing thermal runaway, and containing the fire than was gaseous or dry powder agents. New technology on the horizon may prove to be even more effective than what is currently available. The hazards that responders should be prepared for and have an understanding of, include:

  • Lithium battery fires

  • Electrical fires

  • Toxic gas emissions

  • High voltage electrical arcing



Important Dates


The Engineering Brief and all related information can be accessed at the website here, https://www.faa.gov/airports/engineering/engineering_briefs/drafts/.
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Fire Protection Industry Affairs Summit [March 21-25, 2022]

 


I am excited to invite you to the Fire Protection Industry Affairs Summit. Some of the best minds and influencers in the industry come together to share perspectives and advice on the business  of fire protection. This virtual summit will provide actionable tools, resources, and tactics that will allow the fire protection professional to keep their product or service in front of their ideal client!


The experts assembled for this event bring years of experience in all aspects of fire protection, including - operations, management, business development, sales, marketing, industry affairs, and codes and standards development. 


Register Now


"I learned long ago the value of a summit that brings out the best of industry leaders. Summits collect people, ideas, and current news." Jeff Hugo, CBO.


Session topics include:

  • State of the industry updates for the AEC community

  • AI and emerging technology for the industry

  • Fighting legal battles

  • Building and fostering key relationships

  • Marketing through podcasts

  • Codes and standards development

  • The role of industry affairs

  • Solving problems

  • Planning for your business success

  • Mergers and acquisitions


….and so much more!


Fire Protection Industry Affairs Summit -  March 21 - 25, 2022


Register Today






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Code Update - March 2022

Keeping up with code change proposals and the code cycle can be an overwhelming task. I want to make it easier for you. I am involved in the codes and standards for three specific industries: security, aviation, and technology.  At the beginning of every month I will send out an update on what's happening, and what's next.

You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.
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Fire Protection for UAM and eVTOL

 This week I will be in Bonita Springs, Florida attending the FSSA 40th Annual Forum. I will be giving a presentation on “Fire Protection for Emerging Aviation Technologies”. This presentation will define urban air mobility, outline where the technology is, clarify what the current state of fire protection for UAM and eVTOL is, and identify what fire protection innovations are needed, and how to be involved in setting the future fire protection direction for this technology. 


As a primer to this presentation and to fire protection for UAM, below is a collection of articles and resources related to fire protection for UAM and eVTOL.






This new aircraft technology will necessitate a change in how they are protected within their hangars. These articles outline the changes that will allow this within the 2022 edition of NFPA 409.



The key to getting ahead in this industry is to get involved and stay involved. Here are three organizations that are actively engaged in the future of fire protection for UAM.



Want to learn more about this technology and fire protection? Connect with me by using one of the options below.



Want to change the world? You might have to change a code or standard first. Learn how with this free guide, Affecting Change Through Codes and Standards.


Have questions, issues, or concerns? Schedule a free consultation with me.


Contact me through my website at, www.aaronj.org.


You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.


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Code Update [February 2022]

 



Keeping up with code change proposals and the code cycle can be an overwhelming task. I want to make it easier for you. I am involved in the codes and standards for three specific industries: security, aviation, and technology.  At the beginning of every month I will send out an update on what's happening, and what's next.


You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.


ICC 2022 Committee Action Hearings, March 27 - April 6


White House Launches Coalition to Strengthen Building Performance Standards


Online Platforms for Codes and Standards


Security Codes and Standards


NFPA 730 - Related News


NFPA 921 - Related News


Aviation Codes and Standards


NFPA 418 - Related News



NFPA 409 - Related News



Technology Codes and Standards


NFPA 915 - Related News


NFPA 2400 - Related News


NFPA 950/951 - Related News






Want to change the world? You might have to change a code or standard first. Learn how with this free guide, Affecting Change Through Codes and Standards.


Have questions, issues, or concerns? Schedule a free consultation with me.


Contact me through my website at, www.aaronj.org.


You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.



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