Says FAA Reauthorization Bill Fails To Address The Safety Concern

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) is calling on the U.S. Congress to take action regarding the regulation of the shipment of lithium batteries aboard aircraft.

“H.R. 4441 fails to address the hazards posed by the transport of lithium batteries by air. As written, this bill would continue to allow the shipment of unlimited quantities of lithium batteries on passenger and cargo aircraft, which according to FAA testing, can cause fires current fire-suppression systems can’t extinguish," the union said in a statement.
 
“Transportation authorities around the world look to the Unites States as the leader in aviation safety. However, the 2012 FAA reauthorization contained language, Section 828, which precludes the agency from being able to regulate this issue. Today’s Safety Alert for Operators is a prime example of how the FAA must rely on the airlines to voluntarily comply with safe operating practices with respect to lithium battery shipments. It is imperative that Congress repeal Section 828 and give our country the ability to once again lead the world in advancing aviation safety.
 
“ALPA is calling for all shipments of lithium batteries to be fully regulated as outlined in dangerous goods standards and regulations, to require labeling, quantity limits, crew notification, and packaging standards so as to mitigate any risk a fire could pose to passengers, crewmembers, and the aircraft.
 
“It is important that the Unites States not delegate its responsibility as a sovereign nation to an international body. The Unites States should set the example and lead international efforts and immediately implement and enforce regulations that would ensure that lithium batteries can be shipped safely on both passenger and all-cargo aircraft.”

(Source: ALPA news release)

FMI: www.alpa.org