Lithium batteries riskier to aircraft than previously thought, research shows

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Here comes the lithium battery debate once more, and it is likely to gain further traction following studies by the Federal Aviation Administration which show they are more likely to catch fire than previously thought.

Quite aside from the increased dangers posed by lithium batteries, the new research poses a further problem for the FFA – it can’t actually respond to it in terms of legislation because it is has been barred by US Congress from placing any new restrictions on lithium battery carriage, and has to follow ICAO recommendations.