Supporting SAE A-22: Advancing Aerospace Fire Testing Standards Through Industry Collaboration
INTRODUCTION
At Resonate Testing, we believe that engineering excellence is built upon more than regulations alone.
Standards, recommended practices and technical guidance documents provide designers, installers, verification engineers, validation engineers and certification specialists with proven approaches to solving complex engineering challenges. They represent decades of accumulated knowledge, lessons learned and industry best practice.
One of the most influential contributors to this engineering knowledge base is SAE International. Through Aerospace Standards (AS), Aerospace Recommended Practices (ARP) and Aerospace Information Reports (AIR), SAE provides guidance that supports safer products, more consistent certification programmes and improved engineering decision-making.
While many of these documents are associated with aerospace applications, the underlying engineering principles often extend into defence, transportation, energy and other highly regulated industries.
This is why Resonate Testing is proud to support the work of the SAE A-22 Fire Protection and Flammability Testing Committee.
For more than eight years, our involvement has enabled us to engage with regulators, manufacturers, certification specialists and fellow testing organisations as they collaborate to improve aerospace fire protection standards and certification methodologies.
Why SAE A-22 Matters
The SAE A-22 Fire Protection and Flammability Testing Committee plays an important role in supporting the development of aerospace fire protection standards and associated validation, verification and ultimately certification guidance.
The committee brings together technical experts from across industry and regulatory bodies to address challenges relating to:
- Aerospace fire protection and hazard minimisation
- Fire resistance testing
- Flammability testing
- Engine fire safety
- Certification methodologies
- Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS)
- Harmonisation of certification approaches
The committee’s work continues the same philosophy that supported the development of AS6826 (which is recognised by AC20-135A), a standard created following FAA tasking to establish a harmonised approach to powerplant fire testing and improve consistency across certification programmes. AS6826 was developed to address inconsistencies between historical methodologies and create a repeatable standard recognised by both FAA and EASA authorities.
The standards used by industry tomorrow are frequently being discussed, debated and refined years before publication.
Key Topics Discussed During Recent A-22 Activities
AS6826 Powerplant Fire Test Standards
AS6826 represents one of the most significant developments in aerospace fire testing in recent years.
The standard was developed to harmonise fire testing practices and provide a consistent methodology for conducting powerplant fire tests. The objective was to simplify compliance, reduce redundant testing and improve consistency between laboratories, manufacturers and certification authorities. Did it achieve the goal – only time will tell, with adoption and execution of AS6268 compliant tests the ultimate proof.
For testing organisations and certification teams, standards such as AS6826 provide a common technical language that improves repeatability and confidence in fire-testing results.
EWIS Fire Protection and ARP8998
Modern aerospace systems continue to become more electrically integrated.
As a result, Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) are receiving increasing attention from certification authorities and industry stakeholders.
Where both the FAA and EASA working groups identifing a need for improved consistency in demonstrating compliance with EWIS fire-protection requirements and that the FAA formally chartered SAE A-22 to address the topic.
The resulting work seeks to provide a consistent industry approach to supporting aircraft-level EWIS certification and coordination between aircraft and propulsion-system manufacturers.
Fire Safety Assessment Methodologies
A major focus area within A-22 activities continues to be the development of improved fire safety assessment methodologies.
The thorny issue of residual flames and broader fire assessment considerations continues to be hotly contested( pun intended)
These activities seek to improve consistency in how fire hazards are assessed and how compliance evidence is evaluated during certification programmes.
Residual Flames and Post-Test Behaviour
Residual flame behaviour remains an important topic within aerospace fire certification.
The committee continues to evaluate matters relating to post-test burning, residual flames, multiple residual flames and post-test boundary conditions. The objective is to address the need for improve consistency in interpretation and acceptance criteria across future certification programmes.
Combustor Burn-Through and Fire Protection
The committee is also supporting activities associated with combustor case burn-through.
ARP8704 as an active development project involving both industry and FAA stakeholders.
As propulsion technologies evolve, understanding fire containment and burn-through behaviour remains an important consideration in future aerospace certification activities.
Next-Generation Fire Testing Technologies
Future burner technologies are also under discussion.
The committee continues to explore NexGen burner activities intended to improve repeatability, consistency and confidence within aerospace fire testing programmes. This is of particular interest to Resonate and we have deployed significant time, attention and detail into apprising the Next Gen/ Sonic Burner, the goal of flame calibration, how this is measured and demonstrated and the equivalence of the flame when directly compared against the performance of existing legacy kerosene burners
Why This Matters To Customers
Many organisations only encounter standards after publication.
However, standards are the result of years of technical collaboration, engineering judgement, data review and industry experience.
Participation in technical forums allows Resonate Testing to remain engaged with emerging developments in:
- Aerospace fire testing
- Flammability testing
- Fire protection systems
- Certification methodologies
- Regulatory harmonisation
- Compliance expectations
This engagement supports our commitment to technical excellence and helps us maintain awareness of the developments influencing future aerospace certification programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SAE A-22?
SAE A-22 is the Fire Protection and Flammability Testing Committee responsible for supporting the development and maintenance of guidance relating to aerospace fire protection, fire testing and certification activities. A-22 is the committee responsible for developing guidance associated with aerospace fire protection topics.
What is AS6826?
AS6826 is a powerplant fire-test standard developed to harmonise aerospace fire-testing methodologies and improve consistency between certification authorities and industry organisations. The standard was developed following FAA tasking to SAE A-22.
What is ARP8998?
ARP8998 is an Aerospace Recommended Practice addressing powerplant EWIS compliance for fire protection. The project originated from an FAA charter to SAE A-22 focused on improving guidance for EWIS fire-protection compliance.
What is EWIS?
EWIS stands for Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems. These systems form part of aircraft electrical infrastructure and are subject to specific certification requirements relating to fire protection, reliability and safety. Guidance relating to EWIS compliance forms part of the ARP8998 workstream.
Why are aerospace fire-testing standards important?
Standards support repeatability, consistency and confidence in engineering and certification activities. They provide recognised methodologies that help industry stakeholders demonstrate compliance while supporting aviation safety. Harmonisation is intended to identify best practise, improve consistency and reduce unnecessary variation in testing approaches.