Attention:
Subparts 604, 702, 703, 704 and 705 Operators of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
| Issuing Office: | Standards Branch |
|---|---|
| File Classification No. : | Z 5000-35 |
| RDIMS No. : | 12568858 |
| Document No. : | CASA 2016-12 |
| Issue No. : | 02 |
| Effective Date: | 2016-12-23 |
Purpose:
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) has identified a potential hazard associated with air transportation of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone, justifying them to be forbidden for transport on all commercial or private aircraft. However, since the risks associated to these smartphones have been mitigated, the recommendation that air carriers notify passengers of the prohibition of these smartphones for flights originating from Canada is lifted. The purpose of this Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) is to provide some background information.
Background:
Due to cases of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones that have caught fire and the cessation of further manufacture of this model by Samsung Corporation throughout the world, Transport Canada is of the view that special provision 137 of the transportation of dangerous goods regulations applies. Subsection 5 of special provision stipulates that it is forbidden to transport lithium ion cells or batteries that are damaged or defective and that, under normal conditions of transport, produce a flame or a dangerous evolution of heat, or produce a dangerous emission of toxic, corrosive or flammable gases or vapours.
On December 12, 2016, Samsung Canada issued a forced over-the-air software update that limits the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries to 15% charge and disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. As an added measure, all Canadian wireless carriers have begun an expedited process to deactivate any remaining Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from their networks, precluding their use in Canada.
Based on wireless carrier updates, approximately 99% of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are no longer active on Canadian networks.
Recommended Action:
Transport Canada no longer recommends that air carriers notify passengers of the prohibition against air transport of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device, in particular, immediately prior to boarding. Note that this recommendation only applies to flights originating from Canada. However, air carriers should still deny boarding to a passenger in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device unless the passenger divests themselves and their baggage, including carry-on and checked, of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device. Air carriers should inform those persons who inadvertently bring a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device onto an aircraft to immediately power off the device, do not use or charge the device while aboard the aircraft, protect the device from accidental activation, including disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks, and keep the device on their person and not in the overhead compartment, seat back pocket, nor in any carry-on baggage, for the duration of the flight.
An air carrier flight crew member who identifies that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy note 7 device while the aircraft is in flight, the crew member should instruct the passenger to power off the device, to not use or charge the device while aboard the aircraft, to protect the device from accidental activation, including disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks, and to keep the device on their person and not in the overhead compartment, seat back pocket, nor in any carry-on baggage, for the duration of the flight.
In the case of an operator who conducts aerial work, the operator should ensure all crew members are informed of this prohibition, and that it is appropriately enforced.
Contact Office:
For more information concerning this issue, contact a Transport Canada Centre; or contact Compliance and Response, Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Directorate in Ottawa, by e-mail at TDG-TMD@tc.gc.ca.
Original signed by
Robert Sincennes
Director
Standards Branch
The Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) is used to convey important safety information and contains recommended action items. The CASA strives to assist the aviation industry's efforts to provide a service with the highest possible degree of safety. The information contained herein is often critical and must be conveyed to the appropriate office in a timely manner. The CASA may be changed or amended should new information become available.
