Pilot's Union Seeks to Ban Li Batteries From Flights

[mclovin]

Saw this in my local paper.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009738073_batteries26.html

 

[swbluto]

In the worst case scenario, we'll be forced by the slow boat if buying "directly" from china. If there are dealers in America (Or whatever your locale that has ground options available) that do the waiting for us, then the effect won't be that pronounced.

Usually, the slow boat is cheaper, but there's that addage, "Time is money" and I wonder how much that waiting time is realistically worth in our cases.

 

[OneEye]

Noticed this doozy in the linked article...

A burned package containing a lithium-ion "bicycle-power device" was discovered in the cargo of a UPS flight from Ontario, Calif., to Honolulu on June 18, the union said.

 

[gogo]

Its all Randy's fault.

 

[spinningmagnets]

I recall reading about the procedure for taking a spare lithium battery on board a plane for a laptop computer. The battery cannot be stored loose in a bag of miscellaneous stuff because of a fear that a metal object will connect both posts to make a hot short leading to a runaway fire. Another fear is filling the cabin with lithium-based smoke, and the airlines liability concerning allowing such a battery on the plane. Extra laptop batteries must have their own dedicated plastic bag.

I don't know if LiPoly fires have created an unrealistic fear of LiFePO4, but there should be clear packaging rules that would allow a 20aH battery to be shipped on a cargo plane without concerns. Perhaps added insurance from the shipper?

 

[dogman dan]

It's still going to be a problem, since tons of cargo does get shipped on the extra space in the cargo holds of passenger jets. So it may come to the boat, or at least some special treatment to get it on the cargo only plane, and sure to cost more. Anybody want to guess the manufacturer of the burned pack on the plane.?