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View Full Version : dangerous electrical equipment used by some passengers


lynn789
3rd Sep 2010, 01:01
on long flights, pax often sleep, some have sleep apnea so need a CPAP machine for restful sleep, also to prevent loud and legendary snoring, gasping, etc which of course isnt appreciated by nearby pax
some airlines allow approved CPAPs to be used, and to be plugged into an approved powerpoint. If their seat doesnt have one, than an approved battery pack is sometimes allowed. Qantas for example is CPAP friendly and gave me a very cheap seat that had a suitable powerpoint

this is all supposed to ba arranged via the net with the airlines special handling section, once reservations have been made

CPAPs are now more common and cabin crew are usually familiar with them so some adventurous CPAP users set up and use their CPAPs without asking anyone, plugging it into any nearby powerpoint, regardless of whether it was only meant for a lower powered laptop. If no nearby powerpoint their battery pack is used which may be an ordinary lead acid car battery., in a disguising container

there are obviously several dangers, including damage to a planes electrical equipment by a non approved CPAP thats plugged in.some batterys can explode or leak acid

cabin crew should always check whether any CPAP user is mentioned on their pax list as being approved, IMO

john_tullamarine
3rd Sep 2010, 01:51
Lyn789,

If your belief is as per your post, I would suggest you contact QA at whichever airline(s) the comments might apply to.

Little matter of DG to be considered here, quite apart from aircraft systems considerations.

Thanks for the heads up.

John

satmstr
29th Sep 2010, 06:42
Lynn,

Just for info the engineers check these CPAP machines with a approved list, if its not on the list its no go!

The pilots and cabin crew are well aware the passenger has it and it is entered into the aircraft tech log system as a adaptor is required for the user to plug it in :ok:.