Lithium Batteries

IFALPA believes that the current regulations governing the transport of lithium batteries are inadequate, and that the degree of risk and incident history justifies more stringent control of these batteries in transportation. When damaged, subjected to fire, or through an external or internal short circuit, non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries have been shown to burn vigorously, often igniting hours after damage has occurred. For a list of Lithium Battery incidents that have taken place on or near aircraft that has been compiled by the FAA, click here. Because a fire involving lithium metal batteries will not respond to Halon, the extinguishing agent used in aircraft, IFALPA contends that large shipments of lithium metal batteries should be prohibited on aircraft until adequate packaging can be developed to prevent the batteries from catching fire. While rechargeable lithium ion batteries are more responsive to Halon, these batteries are also capable of igniting following damage, external or internal short circuit, or when exposed to an external fire. Because these batteries must be properly identified and packaged to be carried safely, IFALPA believes they should be treated as fully regulated dangerous goods.

Download

Undeclared Dangerous Goods

The dangerous goods regulations provide for packaging, labelling, pilot notification and quantity limitations for dangerous goods on aircraft. When these regulations are not complied with, the safety of all on board the aircraft may be jeopardized. Undeclared dangerous goods have caused several accidents with significant loss of life, including the crash of a ValuJet aircraft in the Florida Everglades and a Pan American aircraft in Boston. Preventing the carriage of undeclared dangerous goods remains a primary focus of the IFALPA Dangerous Goods Committee.

Radio Active Shipments
	Many passenger airlines and all-cargo operators carry radioactive shipments. Currently, procedures that would allow the flight crew to verify that such cargo is loaded properly are not legally mandated by governing authorities, nor are they implemented by many airlines.The regulating agencies must mandate that operators develop procedures to allow flight crews to
verify that radioactive shipments are properly loaded on aircraft and appropriate separation between radioactive cargo and aircraft occupants is maintained.Some of these regulations date from the 1930’s. Due to advances in medical science and recent trends in aircraft manufacturing, regulations governing the carriage of radioactive materials need to be updated.

NOTOC

A Notice to the Captain (NOTOC) is required for all fully regulated dangerous goods to be carried on passenger and all-cargo flights. The information on a NOTOC serves several purposes. Most importantly, it advises the flight crew of the location, type, and quantity of dangerous goods being transported to aid them in the event there is a spill, fire, or other incident aboard the aircraft. A second critical function of the NOTOC is to provide information for emergency first responders (crash, fire, and rescue personnel) meeting an aircraft in the event of an accident or incident. IFALPA opposes proposals to remove certain information contained in the NOTOC which can be vital to flight crews and first responders in the event of a dangerous goods mishap. IFALPA believes it is important to present the NOTOC information in a logical and concise format and is committed to work with industry and first responders to develop the best way to present the required information.