Emergency order bans air transport of Note 7 phone

In the emergency order published Oct. 19, the FAA designated the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone “a forbidden hazardous material,” and noted that a damaged or recalled lithium ion battery—such as the battery used in the Galaxy Note 7—is not permitted to be transported by air.

The order requires air carriers to notify passengers of the ban prior to boarding, and to deny boarding to anyone possessing a Galaxy Note 7 on their person or in baggage, until the passenger “divests themselves” of the device.

AOPA urged general aviation pilots to follow applicable procedures of the order to ensure safety of flight in their aircraft.

“In light of the recent ban and the obvious safety concerns surrounding these devices, AOPA strongly recommends that its members adhere to the FAA’s ban on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices while flying,” said Justin Barkowski, AOPA director of regulatory affairs.

The emergency order supersedes a previously updated FAA policy that urged passengers on aircraft to power down and not use, charge, or stow in checked baggage a Galaxy Note 7—whether an original phone or a replacement provided by Samsung in a short-lived effort to keep the newly introduced product available to consumers. Samsung discontinued the Galaxy Note 7 entirely on Oct. 11.

Failure to comply with the FAA’s emergency order could result in civil or criminal penalties.