[BAMDFISHER]

I am starting to be quite concerned about the safety of LiPo battereis in our airplanes.

If Boeing can't get it right for the 787 Dreamliner and they are now being grounded due to LiPo fires, I'm nervous as how safe they are for us.

I was involved in making aircraft windshield wiper blades and arms for Boeing for 25 years and I can tell you that the engineers at Boeing would take over a year to approve even a minor change to our rubber formulation or the wiper blade construction techniques. They were always worried that a blade would decinigrate, go thru an engine and cause a death. Also this is why they cost over $600 to make because of all the paperwork required for certification.

I can't understand how the Boeing Engineers let this problem occur, with all of the background noise about LiPo batteries, surely they knew of the potential risks that have been reported in the marketplace.

What is it that occurs with these batteries that we don't understand?

I have two idendical batteries, both the same age, both used identically in series in my plane and ONE has puffed and the other has not. It's confusing to understand what to do to maintain a sense of safety.

[Max]

Originally Posted by BAMDFISHER

I can't understand how the Boeing Engineers let this problem occur, with all of the background noise about LiPo batteries, surely they knew of the potential risks that have been reported in the marketplace.

What is it that occurs with these batteries that we don't understand?

Sabotage? Undercover Airbus employees working for Boeing?

[paladin]

lol max :P

[kip51035]

Safety when charging LIPO batteries is a big problem. They insist on charging them within ten or fifteen feet of people sitting at the picnic tables. one person sat the charging battery right on the picnic table. When queried about it he replied " I have charged lots of these and there is no problem". My answer was " Then why does it say on the battery do not leave unattended when charging"! When I asked to have a charging area set up at the field, I was met with dumb silence". It is time to take some action and create some safe practices.

[RAMJET]

yep Brian it's scary how cavalier people are about storing and handling liPo's LOL myself included at one time . there is a very real danger with them even without charging, if anything was to fall on one or it was to drop on the floor and be punctured you could have a problem .agreed it is unlikely but who want to be the poster child for safe handling of lipo's because a mouse chewed through there lipo and burned down there house . I have seen first hand how these things can burst into flames when punctured , the contents flow out like a liquid and spread the flames. I remember seeing one guy throwing lipos in his tool box with all his sharp tools LOL . Do they have a sticky about lipo safety it would be a good Idea for the newcomers .Roger

[rusty33]

I suspect lipos will be a stopgap measure in the development of batteries. New, lightweight, more stable chemistries need to be brought to market relatively quickly as incidents like the Boeing ones will bring significant pressure from regulators and consumers alike.

On a recent flight, I asked why I am unable to bring a small, hobby airplane on the plane (umx variety), but I can bring my cell phone. Answer was all about size and discharge rate.
Boeing must be frantic, looking for a solution to this. Seems like a trip to Canadian tire to pick up a Motomaster or two is in order

[Slats!]

Were they using Hobby King Nanos?

[RAMJET]

Originally Posted by Slats!

Were they using Hobby King Nanos?

LOL too funny.

[1THEPALMER]

If LiPo's scare you do not use them, a fairly simple solution. Yes?

[RAMJET]

Originally Posted by 1THEPALMER

If LiPo's scare you do not use them, a fairly simple solution. Yes?

No need to be scared just know the hazards at take the correct action. .ignorance is the only problem with lipo's. and awareness can solve that problem. Roger