http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704657304575540264142599350.html
Federal aviation regulators, as part of a safety alert stressing fire hazards posed by lithium batteries, urged airlines on Friday to take special precautions when transporting such shipments on cargo aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration's warning reflects escalating concern about the flammability of bulk shipments of widely used rechargeable batteries in the holds of cargo planes after a recent crash in Dubai. The FAA's action, while it stops short of ordering packaging, handling or paperwork changes, provides the clearest indication yet that the Transportation Department is moving to finalize mandatory rules to reduce such air-cargo hazards.
The FAA's alert, intended for all U.S. airlines and charter operators, emphasizes that recent research highlights the threat of such batteries overheating and creating a so-called "thermal runaway." That's when batteries not involved in an initial fire may ignite and spread the flames, which the FAA said could end up "creating a risk of a catastrophic event."
The agency's safety bulletin also indicates that current fire-suppression chemicals used on most jetliners have been demonstrated as "ineffective in controlling" fires involving certain types of lithium batteries. The majority of cargo jets don't have advanced fire-suppression systems in their main cargo holds
As interim steps, the agency recommends better identification and tracking of lithium-battery cargo shipments, along with "special attention to ensuring careful handling" of such goods. Government and outside experts believe that limiting the number of batteries in a cargo container, or the total number on a plane, can substantially reduce risks
The safety bulletin also notes that the FAA and other parts of the Transportation Department are "considering additional" actions to reduce the risks.
In its explanation for issuing the safety alert, the FAA went further than before in specifically advising airlines that a United Parcel Service Inc. cargo jet that crashed in Dubai last month after an intense onboard fire was carrying large quantities of lithium batteries.
While the investigation of that crash is still underway and no formal findings have been released, the FAA said it was "prudent to advise operators" about the cargo. Both UPS pilots perished in the crash, after dense smoke in the cockpit apparently blocked the view of some instruments and the plane failed to line up correctly for an emergency landing.
Certain types of lithium batteries already are banned from the holds of passenger jets. And pilot groups have been pushing for years for more-stringent safeguards covering cargo planes.
Government action has been opposed by a broad coalition of rechargeable battery suppliers, cellular phone manufacturers, other makers of electronic devices and retail industry groups. UPS and other cargo carriers also have raised complaints about proposed Transportation Department rules. Pressure from such industry groupsâ€â€including appeals to White House officials about the cost of special packaging and mandatory installation of advanced fire-suppression systems on all big cargo jetsâ€â€has complicated and delayed government rulemaking.
Though it isn't binding on carriers, the FAA's latest move underscores the desire of top agency safety officials to act on battery-fire hazards. Until formal rules are issued, the FAA said, "carriers should consider adopting the action recommended" based on the latest research and analysis.