Pilot unions concerned that international safety standards are lacking when it comes to regulation of lithium batteries have (at least temporarily) lost out to industry and foreign government interests. A deal struck as part of the talks on long-term funding for the FAA blocks new battery shipment rules proposed by the Obama administration and reverts to what the pilot unions believe are inadequate international standards. Industries that ship products containing lithium batteries supported the provision that blocks the new rules. Top figures at both the Independent Pilots Association (IPA) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have voiced clear concern.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/news/lawmakers-block-safety-rule-change