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FAA wants new insulation
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October 15, 1998: 7:31 a.m. ET
Airlines asked to replace insulation during maintenance due to fire risk
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has apparently recommended that the insulation of almost all of the world's 12,000 passenger jets be replaced due to a fire hazard.
According to published reports, the agency is making the recommendation because the insulation currently in use catches fire too quickly when exposed to heat.
The recommendation was prompted by the investigation of Swissair Flight 111, which crashed off the coast of Nova Scotia last month.
While the cause of the crash is not known, the wreckage showed signs of heat stress, indicating a possible fire. The insulation, which is used to keep the passenger cabin and cockpit warm and quiet, may have aided the spread of heat or fire.
The FAA did not order the grounding of any jets, but said it would develop a tougher flammability standard for the insulation within six months, the New York Times said.
In the meantime, the agency recommends airlines take the opportunity to replace existing insulation materials during regularly scheduled maintenance.
The insulation reportedly recommended by the FAA is wrapped in a film made with a chemical called polyimied, which has high heat resistance and is sold commercially as Kapton. 
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