Airline Pilot Forums

Bloomberg article: aircraft-fires-tied-to-lithium-battery-cargo-prompt-new-un-rule (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-14/aircraft-fires-tied-to-lithium-battery-cargo-prompt-new-un-rule.html)

By Alan Levin - Feb 13, 2012 11:00 PM CT

The Dangerous Goods Panel at the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization agreed Friday to the new standards, said Mark Rogers, who heads hazardous-materials handling issues for the Air Line Pilots Association union.

The action may lead to more stringent U.S. rules for battery shipments. Congress earlier this month passed an aviation bill restricting U.S. regulators from imposing rules stricter than those set by the ICAO. Tighter rules proposed by the Department of Transportation stalled following industry objections that they would lead to higher consumer costs.

“I’ve been working on lithium batteries for 10 years and this is the biggest development to date,” said Rogers, who serves on the 19-member ICAO panel.

About time. I wonder if we'll hear from Battman on this?

Bloomberg article: aircraft-fires-tied-to-lithium-battery-cargo-prompt-new-un-rule (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-14/aircraft-fires-tied-to-lithium-battery-cargo-prompt-new-un-rule.html)

By Alan Levin - Feb 13, 2012 11:00 PM CT

The Dangerous Goods Panel at the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization agreed Friday to the new standards, said Mark Rogers, who heads hazardous-materials handling issues for the Air Line Pilots Association union.

The action may lead to more stringent U.S. rules for battery shipments. Congress earlier this month passed an aviation bill restricting U.S. regulators from imposing rules stricter than those set by the ICAO. Tighter rules proposed by the Department of Transportation stalled following industry objections that they would lead to higher consumer costs.

“I’ve been working on lithium batteries for 10 years and this is the biggest development to date,” said Rogers, who serves on the 19-member ICAO panel.

The article is missing the quote from the IPA representative on the ICAO Dangerous Goods panel.:rolleyes:

The article is missing the quote from the IPA representative on the ICAO Dangerous Goods panel.:rolleyes:

I didn't realize FO Rogers was a FDX ALPA member. Glad to see you guys leading the cause!

The article is missing the quote from the IPA representative on the ICAO Dangerous Goods panel.:rolleyes:

What's your point? Is this the "Hurray for ALPA" thread?

What's your point? Is this the "Hurray for ALPA" thread?

What do you mean? "Hurray for ALPA"? No, it's the hurray for all pilot's that have to carry these batteries thread.

I just found it odd that the article only quoted the ALPA representative. You know, like he's the only representative of pilot's on the ICAO panel?

What's your point? Is this the "Hurray for ALPA" thread?


I am guessing you missed your fellow IPA ers last post:

Cause our union is working on making things better while your continues to pass the buck. From reading your threads seems like you guys need to clean your own house before your ready to join any fight.

Cant we all get along. Here is the deal we will trash ALPA you guys trash the IPA.

I don't believe he's a FDX ALPA member. I don't find that odd at all...

I don't believe he's a FDX ALPA member. I don't find that odd at all...

Anyone who can pair this attempted flame bait with an actual post can earn three crediit toward an online degree from the University of Phoenix.

Just saying the guy quoted is not a FDX pilot, that's all. Do I get my three credits?

Just saying the guy quoted is not a FDX pilot, that's all. Do I get my three credits?

Since I said he was an IPAer before I quoted him I dont think you have the SAT scores to qualify for the U Of P.

What do you mean? "Hurray for ALPA"? No, it's the hurray for all pilot's that have to carry these batteries thread.

I just found it odd that the article only quoted the ALPA representative. You know, like he's the only representative of pilot's on the ICAO panel?

Apologies. With the rolly-eyes icon, I thought you were busting on the IPA. "Lost in translation" you could say. As for the other bashing going on, I won't touch that. Not saying that it's right... But the snubbing that ALPA gave us for the lawsuit rubbed many the wrong way.

How do the ICAO rules differ from the current US rules, it looks like only an awareness and training of personnel. Is there a difference in how much can be carried? Thanks

How do the ICAO rules differ from the current US rules, it looks like only an awareness and training of personnel. Is there a difference in how much can be carried? Thanks
There is currently nothing that requires an inspection of the batteries to be carried, nor a requirement to inform the crew.
I'd rather be aware that I had a potential problem aboard than to continue with the "I've got a secret" game of shippers masking DG as regular cargo in order to get lower shipping rates.
The acknowledgement that lithium-ion batteries CAN be dangerous is similarly a huge step in getting to either ban them completely from air shipments or place them in a suitable DG category where they are documented and tracked.

It is labeled Class 9 - which is miscellaneous - at FDX you need to look at every position that has Class 9 to see whether you have the lithium batteries. Not difficult to ascertain, but not displayed in an easy format.

Yes, I realize that. But so are a plethora of other things listed as Class 9, few of which can cause SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS (i.e.: FIRE...). Lithium ion batteries deserve to be brought to the forefront so that they are TRANSPARENT, even on the 3rd leg of a night hub turning death march.

Just saying the guy quoted is not a FDX pilot, that's all. Do I get my three credits?

Only if you can point to the post where someone said he was a FDX pilot.

There is currently nothing that requires an inspection of the batteries to be carried, nor a requirement to inform the crew.
I'd rather be aware that I had a potential problem aboard than to continue with the "I've got a secret" game of shippers masking DG as regular cargo in order to get lower shipping rates.
The acknowledgement that lithium-ion batteries CAN be dangerous is similarly a huge step in getting to either ban them completely from air shipments or place them in a suitable DG category where they are documented and tracked.

Agreed on the information, I was just hoping that they would be banned on all aircraft other than those for personal use in computers etc.