How often should a fire extinguisher be inspected on board an aircraft?

The requirement for inspecting fire extinguishers on board an aircraft is established by regulations and safety standards. Monthly inspections ensure that the fire extinguisher is in proper working condition and ready for use in case of an emergency. This routine check involves looking for signs of damage, ensuring the pressure gauge is in the green zone, and confirming that the inspection tags are up to date.

Conducting these checks monthly strikes a balance between safety and practicality, allowing for timely maintenance or replacement of equipment as necessary. While daily inspections or checks before every flight may seem comprehensive, they are not mandated and could lead to unnecessary use of resources without addressing the fundamental need for regular maintenance. Yearly inspections, although important, fail to provide the interim checks needed to ensure readiness in an emergency situation.

Overall, the monthly schedule aligns well with safety practices, allowing pilots and crew to maintain vigilance without overwhelming their pre-flight responsibilities.