FAA Issues Safety Warning Over Lithium Battery Risks on Flights

After a increased number of incidents, the U.S. Air Travel Authority FAA has issued a security warning for airlines. The occasion is the dangers that can emerge from lithium batteries in electronic devices.

Problem with a lack of control

After Declarations The authority has the risk that defective or damaged batteries will get into a so -called “thermal continuous process”. Extreme heat develops, which in the worst case can lead to sparking or fire. The problem is that many of these devices are stowed away in hand luggage compartments or in bags, where they are difficult to access and not constantly monitored.

As a result, passengers or the crew could not notice an incident too late, which endanger security in flight. Just a few days ago, the FAA had a demonstration shown for the US broadcaster CNN how quickly a small battery edge can spread. A portable charger in a seat back bag triggered a violent spark and fire development within seconds.

Halon fire extinguishers can contain the open flames for a short time, but the basic problem remains: the chemical process inside the battery cannot be stopped. According to FAA, water is the most effective means of cooling the batteries and permanently suppressing the fire.

Already 50 incidents

The authority already registered 50 confirmed incidents in connection with lithium-ion batteries on board aircraft until August of this year. It therefore asks airlines to take the risks seriously, especially when batteries are stowed away in areas that neither passengers nor crew members have an eye on.

An exception in the industry comparison is Southwest Airlines: The US airline demands that power banks and portable chargers must always be visible during use. Basically, it is true that replacement batteries are prohibited in abandoned luggage. S