Pilots association commends battery classification recommendation
Washington – The Air Line Pilots Association, International on Feb. 13 commended a new International Civil Aviation Organization recommendation that would classify lithium batteries as “dangerous goods” under existing air shipping standards.
The ICAO’s Dangerous Goods panel recommended that “large” lithium battery shipments be labeled as dangerous goods and require applicable training, inspection and pilot notification similar to other currently regulated hazards. The panel stated it wants the change to occur by Jan. 1, 2013.
The association also stated that additional battery regulations are needed for batteries inside electronic equipment.
Shipments of lithium batteries have been linked to safety hazards, such as fire and smoke aboard aircraft.
At press time, the ICAO recommendations were awaiting approval by the organization’s Air Navigation Commission and Council.
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