PAG Offers Li-Ion Air Transport Advice

PAG, the UK’s longest established broadcast battery manufacturer, is offering free advice to crews who wish to fly with their Li-Ion camera batteries.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) in association with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the United Nations (UN) set clearly defined rules regarding the air transportation of Li-Ion batteries. They restrict the number of spare Li-Ion camera batteries that can be taken on-board passenger aircraft, according to their watt-hour rating. They also set out clear guidelines and procedures for battery manufacturers, to ensure safety.

Camera crews are often unaware of these regulations, and can face problems, such as having their batteries confiscated and destroyed, if they do any of the following:

• Check-in spare Li-Ion batteries with cameras as hold luggage.
• Fly with more than two Li-Ion batteries that have capacities greater than 100 watt-hours.
• Fly with any Li-Ion batteries that have capacities greater than 160 watt-hours.
• Fly with Li-Ion batteries that do not have a UN test number for the pack assembly (not just the cells).
• Fly with batteries manufactured by a company that has no quality control programme, such as ISO 9001:2008.

PAG is now hearing of incidents more frequently where air transport rules are being enforced rigorously by airlines. Customers are calling PAG increasingly for advice on how to avoid a problem at the airport. PAG’s staff are certified through Civil Aviation Authority approved training and have the relevant knowledge and authority to assist you.

Visit the PAG website www.paguk.com for information about flying with Li-Ion batteries; download the PAG Air Transport Certificate with UN test numbers for PAG batteries; call PAG on +44 (0)20 8543 3131 for more information or advice.