Focus on Protective Breathing Equipment

Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE) protects the user’s face and respiratory system from heat, smoke and noxious gases. In-service events were reported to Airbus where the PBE did not work as expected or where cabin crew had difficulties using their equipment or inappropriately used it, which impaired their safety. This article explains the concept and specificities of PBE. It recalls the essential maintenance, operational, and training considerations that must be followed in order to ensure PBE integrity and safe use in the case of an emergency.

Lithium batteries: safe to fly?

Today, lithium batteries play a barely visible, yet essential role in both our daily life and aviation alike. Manufactured and handled correctly, lithium batteries are safe. But production failures, mishandling, or not being aware of their specific characteristics can have serious repercussions.