Defective Batteries Could Short Out, Causing Smoke And
Flames
The FAA has issued a
Safety Alert For Operators regarding the risk of smoke and fires
developing from shorted-out and overheated batteries in some laptop
computers. While the risk is small, according to both the FAA and
the computers' manufacturer, there is no reason to take chances
when talking of the possibility of fire aboard an aircraft.
Below is the unedited text of the SAFO, as well as a link to the
original Advisory Circular for review.
Subject: Potential for in-flight fires
resulting from laptop battery failures.
Background: This office was alerted of certain
batteries contained within particular make and models of portable
laptop computers that could possibly electrically short, overheat,
and cause possible smoke and flames. While, according to the
identified manufacturer, there is a remote possibility that the
affected batteries could result in smoke and flames, the
manufacturer is taking extensive action to recall and replace the
affected batteries. Users of the subject laptop computers have been
advised by the laptop manufacturer not to use their computers on
battery power.
Discussion: On January 8, 2004, the FAA issued
Advisory Circular (AC) 120-80, In-Flight Fires, which discusses the
dangers of in-flight fires, with particular emphasis on hidden
fires that may not be visible or easily accessed by the crew. The
AC provides guidance on how to deal with in-flight fires,
emphasizing the importance of crewmembers taking immediate and
aggressive action in response to signs of an in-flight fire while
stressing the effectiveness of Halon extinguishing agents. In
addition, the AC discusses the importance of appropriate crewmember
training in dealing with hidden fires. Crewmembers, in particular,
should be aware that the potential for smoke emission and fire
propagation from high-energy batteries, of any kind, could result
from internal short-circuit failures. If detected, arresting or
suppression techniques should be followed, as prescribed in the
AC.
Recommended
Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations,
chief pilots, training managers, and crewmembers of
passenger-carrying airplanes under Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 121; 125, 129, and 135 should be
aware of the potential hazard described in this SAFO and should
apply the practices of AC 120-80. Operators are reminded to follow
their established procedures in contacting their local FAA Flight
Standards District Office or their Certificate Management Office to
report any incidents of in-flight fires occurring during its
operations. Title 14 CFR part 121, section 121.703(a)(2), and part
135, section 135.415(a)(2), as applicable, address reporting
requirements for fires [occurring] during flight not protected by
related fire-warning system.