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NEWSLETTERJanuary 30, 2008 Well we're back after a short absence, and hope you're getting ready for a spring of photographic fun. Spring really is right around the corner, and I KNOW there are some of you already thinking about coming here to Arizona to enjoy our nice weather (like our friend Rick in Minnesota who told me it's going to be -40 degrees there and he's "thinking of AZ…a LOT"). We certainly have a number of great trips on the schedule this spring and many are starting to sell out, so don't wait to sign up for your next adventure. KEVIN ZARMER'S WINNING PHOTO Congratulations, Kevin, and we hope you enjoy your well-earned grand prize! Kevin's photo was just one of many outstanding photos he took while on our "Yellowstone in Winter" workshop. If you're interested in the Yellowstone workshop, details can be found here: THE NEW ARIZONA HIGHWAYS WEBSITE SPARE LITHIUM BATTERY RESTRICTIONS ON AIRLINES Here are some general guidelines: * You can no longer pack SPARE lithium batteries in your checked baggage. They can overheat and ignite, and testing has found that current aircraft cargo fire suppression systems aren't capable of suppressing fires from these sorts of batteries. * You may pack SPARE lithium batteries in carry-on baggage, but only under certain conditions. In fact you can apparently take as many batteries along as you want (installed or spare), as long as they contain less than 8 grams of lithium content each (they would have about a in the range of 100 – 300 watt hour rating). You may carry-on no more than two of these larger batteries. Check out this article for how to calculate watt hour ratings: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/62899 * Pack the batteries individually with their protectors in place and carefully wrap each separately in a zip-lock bag. The goal here is to not let the batteries contact with each other or with any metal object that could activate the charge and create a heat or fire incident. * If you don't have the original protectors, put tape across the battery terminals to isolate them. * I hate to put it this bluntly but DON'T recharge non-rechargeable batteries, and for goodness sake if you do, don't take them on a flight with you. There seem to be few other restrictions on the number of spare batteries allowed in carry-on baggage. Cell phone, hearing aid and AA/AAA batteries all seem to be okay, but it really is a good idea to cover the terminals on ALL your spare batteries, just to be on the safe side. After all, you don't want a short-circuit to literally "short-circuit" your travel plans! Recent workshop participants have reported no problems with batteries while flying, but recommend packing SPARE batteries separately and safely and say that being aware of the regulations can help prevent long needless delays at the airport the next time you fly. The best sites to learn more about the new regulations and to give you tips on packing batteries are here: VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL See you next month, |
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