Lithium Batteries Loading

There are no specific requirements addressing where lithium batteries should be loaded on an aircraft. Operators may wish to consider loading them in a Class C cargo compartment because a Class C cargo compartment meets the following requirements:

• There is a separate, approved smoke detector or fire detector to give a warning to the flight crew.
• There is an approved, built-in fire extinguishing system controllable from the flight deck.
• There are means of excluding hazardous quantities of smoke, flames, or extinguishing agents from any compartment occupied by the crew or passengers.
• There are means of controlling ventilation and draughts within the compartment so that the extinguishing agent used can control any fire that may start within the compartment.

IATA has recently updated many regulations regarding the transport of lithium batteries. Reference IATA table 9.3.A for segregation requirements.

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