Search

FAA Declares MacBooks with Defective Batteries Won’t Fly on US Flights

Posted on 8/26/2019 by Lion Technology Inc.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned some 15-inch MacBook Pros from US flights due to concerns over faulty lithium batteries.

Apple already issued a voluntary recall and replacement program on these models on June 20, 2019 due to the battery’s potential to overheat and pose a safety risk. The recall only affects 15-inch MacBook Pro units sold between September 2015 and February 2017 that can be identified by the product serial number.

Federal officials alerted airlines of the recall and posted about it on social media in July. However, they say the issue did not garner the necessary attention at the time.

Aviation regulators in the European Union have already issued restrictions on the recalled MacBooks, prohibiting their use during EU flights.

Lithium Battery Hazards Are a Growing Concern

Lithium-ion batteries have become notorious over the last decade for their potential hazards. Most notably, Samsung recalled approximately 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in the fall of 2016, after 35 confirmed overheating incidents that resulted in explosions and fires.

Similar recalls were issued on hoverboards in 2017 and even police body cameras in 2018.

Federal regulators are using every tool at their disposal to address the hazards posed by lithium batteries, especially in air transport—including civil penalties for noncompliant lithium battery shipments. When a Hong Kong technology company allegedly shipped 30 lithium-ion batteries undeclared in 2017, FAA issued a $160,500 civil penalty the following year.

Shipping Lithium Batteries Live Webinar

Join us four Shipping Lithium Batteries webinar training. Learn from an expert instructor from any internet connection to get up to date on the latest hazmat shipping regulations for lithium batteries. Meet US DOT, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code DG training requirements and build the knowledge and skills to keep your lithium battery shipments in compliance via ground, air or vessel.
 

Tags: battery, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, hazardous materials, hazmat, li-ion, lithium battery, lithium-ion

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.