Lithium batteries are used to power a wide range of devices that passengers bring aboard but if they are not handled safely and transported correctly, they can pose serious safety risks. Additionally, if lithium batteries are loaded into the aircraft hold when they shouldn't be, then there is a higher risk of a more serious incident occurring.

The range of devices powered by lithium batteries is constantly evolving and includes items such as power-banks, vapes, light-up trainers and e-prams.

We speak to members of the UK CAA’s Dangerous Goods team about the risks relating to these batteries and cover the safety guidance for staff working at check-in, the boarding gate, on the ramp or in cargo handling roles.

You will also hear from staff at easyJet who explain how they manage this risk across their network.

Dangerous Goods - Batteries are included

(For shippers, freight forwarders and cargo handlers)

Lithium batteries for cargo and ramp

Lithium batteries for flight crew

Lithium Batteries in Passenger Handling

How to make a report to the UK CAA

Report a Dangerous Goods Occurrence

Make a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR)

International standards allow passengers to carry dangerous goods either in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or on their person, depending on the specifics of the dangerous goods concerned.

Individual airlines may have further limitations or restrictions on certain items, so it is important that you contact your airline before travelling if you have any questions or special requirements related to any dangerous goods.

Laser attacks on aircraft remain a serious safety risk for all pilots and flight crew, but for air ambulance services these incidents can also delay vital medical treatment reaching patients.

We speak with crew from Yorkshire Air Ambulance who share their experiences of laser attacks, including a recent incident where a crew member suffered an eye injury from a laser beam.

This episode covers safety guidance for pilots, flight crew and operational staff and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) explains why it is important for UK airspace users to report laser incidents as a crime.

Related information:

• Laser exposure self-assessment tool (ALESA)

(For pilots, flight crew or air-traffic controllers who have been exposed to lasers)

Guidance for UK airspace users on how to report a laser incident

As covered in this episode, if you are a pilot, flight crew, air traffic or other operational staff who has experienced a laser incident, please report it, both to the UK CAA using the link below and to your local police force.

• Make a report to the UK Civil Aviation Authority

Featured in this episode:

• The National Police Air Service (NPAS)
• Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The image for this episode shows Yorkshire Air Ambulance Chief Pilot, Owen McTeggart who features in the podcast.

A glider pilot has just launched into the air in Southwest England and released from the winch when they see a Cessna flying below them. They take immediate action to avoid the aircraft and later file a report with the UK Airprox Board (UKAB).

UKAB Director Simon Oldfield tells us more about this incident and the review that followed.

We also speak with experienced glider pilot Andrew Watson and highlight the potential risks involved when flying near or above active gliding sites.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Airprox report 2022173 (UK Airprox Board)
• Airprox inside magazine – February 2023 (UK Airprox Board)
• Report an airprox (UK Airprox Board)
• Flying over gliding sites (UK CAA)