28 August 2024
Active carbon monoxide detectors will be mandatory in most piston engine aircraft from 1 January 2025, the CAA has decreed in a Safety Directive issued today (28 August 2024).
The CAA said this is because of a number of accidents linked to the gas. A 2020 Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) review of UK accidents and incidents since 2000 identified two fatal accidents, each with two fatalities, and fifteen other events where carbon monoxide may have been a factor.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a heightened risk to pilots and passengers of piston engine aircraft, as the colourless, odourless gas can seep into the cockpit and cause incapacitation with little or no warning.
Hannah Foskett, Interim Head of General Aviation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “While many general aviation pilots are aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure, the same cannot be said for their passengers.
“Carbon monoxide exposure has been linked to fatal accidents and it is vital that extra measures are put in place to save lives.
“These new rules will make recreational flying safer for pilots and passengers.”
The new CAA regulations allow for both industry-standard and commercial off-the-shelf active carbon monoxide detectors.
These devices are designed to detect the presence of the gas and alert the pilot to potential danger. Detectors can either meet recognised aviation standards (for example ETSO-2C48a) or be commercially available detectors not specifically designed and certified for use in aircraft.
The Safety Directive is applicable to all piston engine aircraft, but excludes:
Download the Safety Directive from the CAA Carbon Monoxide page here
