Our main product is the PBE, which stands for Protective Breathing Equipment. This term is found in the FAA regulations and refers to the “smoke hood” for pilots, flight attendants, and other aircrew members. This product is mandated by the FAA for commercial airlines and came as a result of past aircraft accidents. On commercial passenger carrying aircraft there is one PBE in the cockpit and one within 3 feet of every fire extinguisher. The number of PBE’s on an aircraft ranges from 2 on up depending on the number of fire extinguishers. It is there to protect the crewmember while dealing with an in-flight fire or a smoke and fume incident. It also allows the aircrew member to effectively aid passengers exiting an aircraft during an emergency evacuation where there is smoke or toxic fumes. To learn more about the Essex PB&R PBE click here.