[Elecraft] Flying with K2

[Jack Chomley]

David,

I approached Qantas Airways to carry a battery on a trip to Lord Howe Island, off Australia's east coast.
I made formal enquiry and received an approval document (see below) to carry the battery, with certain requirements, on the airline's part.
Note the reference to IATA A67 DGR, which is an International regulation, also note ICAO, which relates to secure packaging,  some battery makers have this certification and the battery will be so marked and also referred to, in it's MSDS document. Sonnenschien is one such battery. The battery I carry is a 9 amp hour, weighing 2.6KG.
After this, is individual airline operator approval, which is administered as part of their internal safety policy.
I can carry this battery, anywhere in the World, on a Qantas flight, the approval is good for the whole calendar year that it was granted.
I just show the approval document at checkin and it's noted against my passenger details and that is it :-)
My approval request was sent directly to the Dangerous Goods section of the airline and was no problem. Do not go to any other part of the airline organisation, they have no knowledge and they just solve the problem, by saying NO!
The battery MUST be marked on it's outer casing with IATA A67, and have the supporting MSDS document from it's maker.
Maybe you could make a trial enquiry with your chosen airline and see how you go?

73,  Jack. VK4JRC


 Qantas Airways Limited  ACN 16 009 661 901 Qantas Centre 203 Coward Street Mascot NSW 2020 Australia Telephone 61 (2) 9691 3636   

qantas.com   

Reference: XXXXXXX  28 March 2011 Mr Jack Chomley  

APPROVAL TO CARRY NON DANGEROUS SEALED ACID BATTERIES  

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN  

This document provides approval to Mr Jack Chomley, travelling on Qantas Group  aircraft, for the carriage of a non dangerous valve regulated lead acid batteries suitably  packaged as checked or carry-baggage.   

In accordance with the IATA Regulations and Special Provision A67, the valve regulated lead acid batteries must be disconnected and protected against short circuits and must be securely packed in strong outer packaging.   

The approval is issued by the undersigned on behalf of Qantas Airways Limited in accordance with the requirements of the current editions of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air DOC 9284-AN/905, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, and the Qantas Group Dangerous Goods Manual Chapter 5, Operator Approval.   

This approval is valid only on Qantas domestic and international flights only from 28th 

March 2011 until 31st December 2011 inclusive. Any additional approvals required by international and national authorities for the carriage or export/import of the non dangerous batteries from/to Australia is the sole responsibility of the passenger.  

A copy of this letter and a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheets for the lead acid battery must be carried for confirmation to the airport staff.  

Enquires and confirmation may be directed to the undersigned by phoning 61 2 9691 1061 or 0419 204 670, or e-mail, dg at qantas.com.au.  

Kindest regards  

Mr XXXXXXXXX.  Manager Dangerous Goods Standards & Compliance 

Sent from my iPad

On 26/06/2011, at 3:21 AM, "David Andrews" <david at violinman.co.uk> wrote:

> Advice please - I'm flying within Europe shortly with a K2. Do I pack it in
> suitcase (hold) or carry-on? Any problem with the SLA battery? What about
> paperwork? Is it likely to cause concern at the airports?
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
> 
> David G4CWB
>