A single personal electronic device that overheats and catches fire in checked luggage on an airliner can overpower the aircraft’s fire suppression system, potentially creating a fire that could rage uncontrolled, according to new govt research. Regulators had thought that single lithium battery fires would be knocked down by the flame-retardant gas required in passenger airliner cargo holds. But tests conducted by the US FAA found the suppression systems can’t extinguish a battery fire that combines with other highly flammable material, such as the gas in an aerosol can or cosmetics commonly carried by travellers. The research highlights the growing risks of lithium batteries, which are increasingly used to power everything from mobile phones to gaming devices. <br/>
general
It’s one of the most significant threats to passenger safety, yet few are addressing the problem. Time after time, airplane passengers fleeing a burning or crippled airplane take their carry-on bags with them. Toting luggage slows escapes, could block exits and risks puncturing emergency slides. Safety investigators are voicing growing concern over a big issue. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada concluded in July that an evacuation from a WestJet 737 was slowed by passengers retrieving their carry-on bags before fleeing a plane that was on fire. The carry-on baggage problem isn’t new, but it may have worsened because of the increasing value of the items we carry in bags. And fees for checked baggage have prompted passengers to carry more stuff on board. <br/>
Transport Canada has certified Bombardier's 90-seat Q400 configuration, clearing the way for deliveries to launch customer SpiceJet starting later this year, and the manufacturer said more orders are on the way. SpiceJet last year signed on to be the 90-seat Q400’s launch customer as part of a 25-aircraft firm order, and all of them are slated to be in the new configuration. The LCC operates 22 Q400s in 78-seat configurations. SpiceJet is the only 90-seat Q400 customer, but Bombardier said “several airlines” are interested in it. “We expect to see more orders for this type soon,” it added. Launched in February 2016, the 90-seat option, which cuts seat-mile costs about 15% compared to a 78-seat version, is one of a series of improvements Bombardier is making to broaden the Q400’s appeal. <br/>
The TSA is considering ending screening of passengers at smaller airports across the country to focus security efforts at the largest airports. It is unclear how advanced the proposal is and whether it will ever be adopted. Still, aviation-security experts reacted with alarm, saying that dropping security at smaller airports could make those flights an inviting target for terrorists. CNN reported that the TSA is considering whether to end passenger screening at about 150 airports that serve planes with 60 seats or fewer. The report cited senior agency officials and internal documents from June and July. TSA said no decision has been made. The agency said that any changes “to better allocate limited taxpayer resources” would be preceded by “a risk assessment to ensure the security of the aviation system.” <br/>
ALPA and other US pilot groups have come out swinging against proposed legislation that calls for the FAA to study single-piloted cargo aircraft. "You don't make flying safer by removing pilots from the cockpit," ALPA president Tim Canoll says Wednesday. "The flying public would simply not accept the lower level safety that would result." ALPA and several other unions likewise issued a joint media release saying they wanted "Congress to know how reckless passage of a bill with this provision would be". The House version of the FAA's reauthorisation bill would order the FAA and other federal agencies to "establish a research and development program in support of single-piloted cargo aircraft assisted with remote piloting and computer piloting". <br/>