Description

Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE) is a piece of emergency equipment required in transport aircraft for flight crew use during firefighting. This article discusses portable PBEs, as distinct from fixed equipment such as the quick-don oxygen masks in flight decks.

PBE normally consists of a fire-resistant hood with a silicone neck seal and a transparent viewing port, along with a chemical oxygen generator or an oxygen cylinder. PBE protects the wearer from smoke and harmful gases while dealing with fire, smoke, or fumes. Regulators set guidelines for the specifications and placement of PBE units in aircraft. 

For example, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require that PBEs must supply breathing gas for at least 15 minutes at a pressure altitude of 8,000 feet. Typically, at least one is required on the flight deck, and others must be present for flight attendant use in the cabin. Crew members receive hands-on practice with PBEs during initial and recurrent training. PBEs are designed for quick donning, in as little as 15 seconds.

Most PBE models are folded and vacuum-sealed in a moisture-resistant pouch and labeled with an expiration date and an internal humidity indicator.