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Frequently asked questions:
FAR 25.853 (a) and (d) and OFPSI

Click or touch the question to reveal the answer.


Q. Can I simply buy fire retardant chemicals from you?


A. No. Achieving FAA certification is a process with very calculated application procedures for each material combination. What you’re really buying is OFPSI’s expertise, gained over thousands of trials. Simply applying the retardant typically will not guarantee passage of any test.

Each case is unique. In every situation, OFPSI creates a process spec that outlines in meticulous detail each step in the preparation and application method.


Q. I have a material that has failed FAR 25.853 (a) or (d). What do I do now?


A. Call us at 972-542-6140. We’ll need specifics on material composition, test results and samples of the material as tested. If we’ve had previous success getting similar materials to pass, we can often find a solution quickly. If we haven’t tested the materials before, we’ll begin an educated trial and error process.

Q. Does the OFPSI treatment change the appearance of the material?


A. In years of application, we’ve not discovered a material that our flame retardant has altered in any way. The product is water-based, goes on clear, dries clear and, in our experience, remains permanently invisible.

Q. Are there long-term effects on the material (appearance, resilience, pliability) as a result of treatment?


A. With years in service and thousands of flight hours, OFPSI has had no complaints filed for reduced performance or side effects on treated materials.

Q. Will OFPSI arrange burn tests of requested material combinations for me? How would I submit them?


A. Materials that need to pass 25.853 (a) and (d) testing require shipping them to facilities that have the specialized equipment to perform such tests. We will work with you through the testing and the cost is typically nominal.

Q. What are the exact specifications under FAR 25.853 (a) and (d)?


A. We refer you to these Government Printing Office documents: Title 14 CFR 25.853 – Compartment Interiors, 25.853 Detail and Part 25 Appendix F. For additional information, we recommend contacting an FAA DER (directory).

Q. What is the cost for OSFPI to find a remedy for a material combination that has failed the FAA test?


A. Each incident is a unique project that requires a distinctive process spec and scope of work. If you will outline the situation for us, we can give you a non-binding ballpark estimate.

Q. Can OFPSI get hardwood to pass FAR 25.853 (d)?


A. We are not aware of any solid wood meeting FAA requirements. We have achieved success with many veneers.

Q. How long does it take from application of retardant to test-ready?


Depending on the sample buildup and the process used to treat the sample(s), we have actually shipped material to be tested the same day it was treated. A good rule of thumb would be 24-48 hours.

Q. What materials has OFPSI brought up to FAA burn standards?


A. A comprehensive list of material combinations would be too long for this forum. A smart completion center could boast a broader selection of certifiable materials as a competitive advantage. You can view some samples on our example page.

Have a question not listed here? Post it here and we’ll do our best to answer. Your input is needed to help us build a better knowledge center.

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