Image credit: Brandrodungswanderfeldhackbau [shifting cultivation] October 2007

The batteries are now contained in a fireproof steel box with a chimney that vents outside the aircraft.  That’s what you get for an extra 200,000 hours of engineers’ time.

The actual root cause of the problems previously experienced “may never be determined” but some 80 battery-related technical features have been upgraded.

Why try a new battery design

The Lithium-ion batteries on the 787 are characterised by being able to provide a large amount of electrical power in a short period of time.  They are about the size of a car battery and are much lighter than older types of battery.

By way of comparison, the 787’s batteries provide up to 150A of current and weigh 29kg (excluding the new modifications), whereas the older battery design used on the Boeing 777 weighs 49kg and provides just 16A of current.

What are the batteries used for?

There are two identical lithium batteries carried on the Dreamliner.  The one in the middle of the craft is used to start a small turbine at the tail of the aircraft, the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).  And it powers the navigation lights.  The APU, in turn, provides the power (1100 shaft horsepower) needed to start the main engines.

The battery in the forward electrical bay, under the main cabin floor,  powers certain accessories when the aircraft is on the ground, and powers various electrical systems prior to the APU starting up.

All craft being modified

Ten teams of engineers, averaging 30 per team, are converting the 50 Dreamliners already delivered so they can be returned to service.  The modifications are scheduled to be completed mid-May.  The first commercial flights have resumed without incident.

The modifications are also being applied to aircraft that have been built but not delivered.  All deliveries scheduled for 2013 are expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

No problems have been experienced with craft that have been modified and returned to service.

Singapore publishes lists of the drugs that are banned or restricted, which provides the assurance that you can at least check to see if you are okay, well before you leave home.

All medicines containing any one of a number of ingredients require specific authorisation from the Singapore authorities before you can safety take them with you.  But if you have obtained the authorisation, and have the necessary documentation with you, then you will not experience any problem with the authorities.

Judicial system

The rules of the Singaporean judicial system are such that you basically want to avoid even being regarded as a suspect.  The law constrains judges to apply sentences harshly and there are very few extenuating circumstances permitted.  Attempts by foreign governments to apply pressure for a lighter sentence are frequently seen as interference.  Recent changes to the sentencing laws in 2013 give the judges some leeway in commuting mandatory death sentences to life imprisonment if they find that there are special circumstances.

Recreational drugs

The Misuse of Drugs Act (1972) creates a presumption of trafficking based on specific quantities of drugs found in your possession.  So in a legal sense, “trafficking” does not need to be proved, merely possession.

You may be searched or required to provide a urine sample for analysis, by any police officer without a warrant on “reasonable suspicion” that you may have a controlled drug or other contraband.  Any premises may likewise be searched without a warrant on “reasonable suspicion”.

If a urine sample tests positive, you will be charged with drug possession, even if you consumed the drugs prior to entering Singapore.  If you use recreational drugs, you should stop sufficiently far ahead of your trip to Singapore that you are “clean” on arrival.

Mandatory death penalties

Mandatory death penalties are applicable for amounts exceeding the following:

• cannabis mixture: 500 grams
• cannabis resin: 100 grams
• cannabis: 500 grams
• cocaine: 30 grams
• hashish: 200 grams
• heroin: 15 grams
• methamphetamine: 250 grams
• morphine: 30 grams
• opium: 1,200 grams

It has been estimated that 70% of the death sentences carried out in Singapore are for drug offences.  For lesser amounts the penalty may be life imprisonment.  For really tiny amounts you may be sentenced to judicial beating.

Official list of restricted medicines

It can take quite a bit of searching to locate the official list of medicines restricted in Singapore.    We provide a summary list below.  At the time the article was written the authoritative link was at http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/home.html   There you should scroll down and click on the menu item on the right that says “Bringing Personal Medications Into Singapore”.

Authorisation is required for medicines

If your medication contains ANY of the substances in the “Appendix A” list (copied below) then you should complete a form available on their web site and apply for authorisation to take it into the country.  This must be submitted no less than ten days before entry.

Once you have completed the form the official procedure is:

Email the form to: hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg   or

• Fax to: (65) 64789068; or
• Mail to:
  Audit and Licensing Division
  Health Products Regulation Group
  Health Sciences Authority
  150 Cantonment Road, Cantonment Centre
  Blk A, #01-02, Singapore 089762

The following documents and information are required to be submitted with your application:

1. Names and dosages of the medicines (both trade/brand names and names of active ingredients contained in the products)
2. Total quantity of each type of medicines that will be brought into Singapore
3. Your doctor’s letter or medical prescription verifying for the need of the medicines
4. Your flight details and intended length of stay in Singapore (applicable for visiting tourists)
5. Your passport or identity particulars and contact details (address, fax number and/or email)

No more than three month’s supply of ANY medication (even if you have applied for authorisation) may accompany you.  For prescription medicines not on the list  you are required to have a letter from your doctor and a copy of the medical prescription with you as proof that the medicines are for your personal use.

Singapore Health Products Regulation : “Appendix A”

The Singapore Government’s Health Services Authority maintains a list of scheduled substances on their web site.  This is their “Appendix A” of Controlled Substances subject to Import/Export controls.

The list below was retrieved from their site on 6 April 2013, at which time it had last been updated on 2 April 2013.  We do not regularly maintain this list, which is here to give you a general overview of the medicines that are restricted or forbidden in Singapore.  You should check with their web site for updates.

The following substances and products or any stereoisomeric form, ester or ether, and salts of a substance specified below,

n-(1-methyl-4-piperidyl)-N-phenyl formanide, 1-Hydroxy-3-pentyl-6a, 7, 10, 10a-tetra hydro-6, 6, 9-trimethyl-6-H-dibenzo [b, d] pyran, 2-Methyl-3-morpholino-1, 1-diphenylpropanecarboxylic acid, 1-Methyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4,alpha-dimethyl-phenethylamine, 2,5-Dimethoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, 2-amino-1-(2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methyl) phenylpropane, 3-(1,2-Dimethylheptyl)-1-hydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenzo [b,d] pyran-1-ol, 3,4,5-Trimethoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, 3-Methoxy-alpha-methyl-4,5-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, 3-Methyl fentanyl, 3-Methylthiofentanyl, 4-Bromo-2,5-alpha-methylphenethylamine (also known as Brolamfetamine), 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, 4-Cyano-1-methyl-4-phenyl-piperidine, 4-Cyano-2-dimethylamino-4, 4-diphenylbutane, 4-Ethyl-2,5-dimethoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, 4-Methylaminorex, 4-Methylthioamphetamine, 4-Phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine,

Acetorphine, Acetyldihydrocodeine, Acetylmethadol, Alfentanil, Allobarbital, Allylprodine, Alphacetylmethadol, Alphameprodine, Alphamethadol,Alpha-Methyl fentanyl Acetanilide, Alpha-Methyl fentanyl, Alpha-Methylthiofentanyl, Alphaprodine, Alprazolam, Alpha-Methyl-3,4(methylenedioxy) phenethylamine (also known as Tenamfetamine), Amfepramone, Aminorex, Amobarbital, Amphetamine, Anileridine.

Barbital, Benzethidine, Benzphetamine, Benzyl fentanyl, Benzylmorphine(3-benzyl-morphine), Betacetylmethadol, Beta-hydroxyfentanyl, Beta-hydroxy-3-methyl fentanyl, Betameprodine, Betamethadol, Betaprodine, Bezitramide, Bromazepam, Brotizolam, Bufotenine, Buprenorphine, Butalbital, Butobarbital.

Camazepam, Cannabinol derivatives, Cannabinol, Cannabis and cannabis resin, Carfentanil, Cathine, Cathinone, Chlordiazepoxide, Chlorphentermine, Clobazam, Clonazepam, Clonitazene, Clorazepate, Clotiazepam, Cloxazolam, Coca leaf, Cocaine, Codeine, Codoxime, Cyclobarbital.

Delorazepam, Desomorphine, Dexamphetamine, Dextromoramide, Dextropropoxyphene, Diamorphine,(Heroin) Diampromide, Diazepam, Diethylthiambutene, Difenoxin, Dihydrocodeine, Dihydroetorphine, Dihydromorphine, Dimenoxadole, Dimepheptanol, Dimethylthiambutene, Dioxaphetyl butyrate, Diphenoxylate, Dipipanone, Drotebanol.

Ecgonine, and any derivative of ecgonine which is convertible to ecgonine or to cocaine, Estazolam, Ethchlorvynol, Ethinamate, Ethylloflazepate, Ethylmethylthiambutene, Ethylmorphine (3-ethylmorphine), Eticyclidine, Etilamfetamine, Etonitazene, Etorphine, Etoxeridine, Etryptamine.

Fencamfamin, Fenetylline, Fenproporex, Fentanyl Fludiazepam, Flunitrazepam, Flurazepam, Furethidine, Gamma hydroxybutyric acid, Glutethimide, Halazepam, Haloxazolam, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphinol, Hydromorphone, Hydroxypethidine, Isomethadone, Ketamine, Ketazolam, Ketobemidone.

Lefetamine, Levomethorphan, Levomoramide, Levophenacylmorphan, Levorphanol, Lofentanil, Loprazolam, Lorazepam, Lormetazepam, Lysergamide, Lysergide and other N-alkyl derivatives of lysergamide, Mazindol, Mecloqualone, Medazepam, Mefenorex, Mephentermine, Meprobamate Mescaline, Mesocarb Metazocine, Methadone, Methadyl acetate, Methcathinone, Methamphetamine (also known as Methylamphetamine), Methaqualone, Methyldesorphine, Methyldihydromorphine (6-methyldihydromorphine), Methylphenidate, Methylphenobarbital, Methyprylon, Metopon, Midazolam Monoacetylmorphine Morpheridine, Morphine methobromide, other pentavalent nitrogen morphine derivatives Morphine N-oxide, Myrophine.

n,alpha-dimethyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, n,N-Diethyltryptamine, n,N-Dimethyltryptamine, n,[alpha-methyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy) phenethyl] hydroxylamine, n-ethyl-alpha-methyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, Nicocodine, Nicodicodine, Nicomorphine (3, 6-dinicotinoyl-morphine), Nimetazepam, Nitrazepam, n-methyl-alpha-ethyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, Noracymethadol, Norbuprenorphine, Norcodeine, Nordazepam, Norketamine and its dehydro derivatives, Norlevorphanol, Normethadone, Normorphine, Norpipanone.

Opium, Oxazepam, Oxazolam, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, para-fluorofentanyl, Parahexyl (3-hexyl-1-hydroxy-7, 8, 9, 10-tetrahydro-6, 6, 9-trimethyl 6h-dibenzo [b, d] pyran), Pemoline, Pentazocine, Pentobarbital, Pethidine, Phenadoxone, Phenampromide, Phenazocine, Phencyclidine, Phendimetrazine, Phenmetrazine, Phenobarbital, Phenomorphan, Phenoperidine, Phentermine, Pholcodine, Piminodine, Pinazepam Pipradrol, Piritramide, Poppy-straw and concentrate of poppy-straw, p-methoxy-alpha-methylphenethylamine, Prazepam, Proheptazine, Properidine (1-methyl-4-phenyl-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester), Propiram, Psilocin, Psilocybine, Pyrovalerone.

Racemethorphan, Racemoramide, Racemorphan, Remifentanil, Rolicyclidine, Secbutabarbital, Secobarbital, Sildenafil, Sufentanil, Tadalafil, Temazepam, Tenocyclidine, Tetrazepam, Thebacon, Thebaine, Thiofentanyl, Tilidine, Triazolam, Trimeperidine, Vardenafil, Vinylbital, Zipeprol, Zolpidem.

While every effort has been made to verify the contents of this list, we advise travellers to check their medication with the Singapore consulate before travel and to apply for prior permission.

Web site bug

On the Singapore Health Sciences Authority web site there is a Frequently asked questions section.  You can only access that using Internet Explorer.  More modern browsers fail with a Javascript error that says “POST requests are not permitted from foreign domains.”

Complementary medicines

Many complementary medicines contain no pharmacologically active ingredients and would consequently not run foul of regulations, other than perhaps on the import of alcohol.  However, those that contain Schedule 1 or Schedule 3 “Poisons” (according to the list available on the Health Services Authority web site) are subject to similar regulations to medicines. viz. doctor’s script (must be a registered medical doctor, not a shaman, beauty therapist or coach, etc.) , the documentation required, and a 3-month limit on supplies.

The Singapore Health Sciences Authority recommend on their web site that for further information you should contact: hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg  Alternatively, you may call Tel. (65) 6866 3522 or (65) 6866 3592 for assistance.

Consequently, it is recommended to leave all but absolutely essential medicines at home if you are going to or via Dubai, even as a transit passenger.  In some cases the consequences are pretty severe, but many other people have been inconvenienced to the extent of being detained for some hours before being released.  One might say “no harm done”, unless of course, it happens to you.  A few hours of detention by customs officials is not at all pleasant anywhere in the world, but all the more so if people are shouting at you in a language that you do not understand.

The UAE uses highly sensitive equipment to search for the slightest trace of drugs.

Some of the horror stories

Some of the cases that have been reported by the BBC:

• Keith Brown: Four-year jail term for possession of 0.003g of cannabis, stuck to the bottom of his shoe
• Robert Dalton: On trial for alleged possession of 0.03g of cannabis
• An un-named 20-year-old: On trial for alleged possession of 0.02g of cannabis
• Tracy Wilkinson: Held in custody for eight weeks for possession of a painkiller containing codeine (prescribed for back pains) before release
• Swiss national: Four-year jail term after three poppy seeds found on his clothes
• Cat Le-Huy was arrested in Dubai for carrying Melatonin jet-lag tablets, which are sold over the counter in the US and Dubai.

Extent of the problem

Carrying more than 10 paracetamol tablets has been known to cause trouble at Dubai customs.  (“Trouble” meaning being detained, strip searched and interrogated.  It’s best avoided.)  Even such traveller’s basics such as Lomotil are banned!

Catherine Wolthuizen, chief executive of Fair Trials International, said Dubai customs authorities were using highly sensitive new equipment to conduct thorough searches on travellers.

“So many people now travel to Dubai and, as we’re seeing, many have no idea what risks they’re taking or their vulnerability to this very strict approach,” she said.   “If they find any amount – no matter how minute – it will be enough to attract a mandatory four-year prison sentence.

“What many travellers may not realise is that they can be deemed to be in possession of such banned substances if they can be detected in their urine or bloodstream, or even in tiny, trace amounts on their person.”

Strict Islamic principles

“Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and inspiration that touches all aspects of everyday life.” — Dubai Government web site.

Even international web sites promoting drugs banned in Dubai are blocked.  The Ministry of health coordinates with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to block them.

So what sorts of drugs are banned?  Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licenses gives the official perspective that these are “especially weight loss, body building, hormones, sexual stimulants and other unapproved medicines”.  In reality, any medication could cause you problems.

No official list available

No list of banned or restricted substances is available from UAE embassies, web sites or other official UAE sources!  That makes compliance considerably harder and leads some to the conclusion that the intention is to catch people out rather than to keep the country drug-free.

Furthermore, in addition to a banned list, the Dubai customs authorities also reportedly are using an “approved” list.  A particular medicine may not be on the banned list, but if it is not yet on the approved list then you will still be treated as a criminal suspect!

Take lots of documentation for life-sustaining medication

If you absolutely must take medication with you, because it keeps you alive, then ensure that you have as much documentation as possible.  Not only should you have a prescription to cover each medicine, the doctor should explain in a letter what the purpose of each drug is.  Get letters from specialists and hospitals.  Have it authenticated by the local UAE embassy well ahead of your travel date.

In practice, it is not safe to take any medicines with you to Dubai.  Passengers on aircraft diverted to Dubai, or in transit, who did not expect to pass through customs have been arrested and spent time in jail, even when in possession of valid prescriptions.

Fair Trials International list of banned or restricted substances

Fair Trials International has compiled an unofficial list of controlled medicines for Dubai and the UAE.  This is based in part on the schedules to the UAE Federal law No. 14 of 1995, and the General Authority for Health Services Guide to the Management of Controlled Drugs in the Private Sector, March 2007

Narcotics

Banned outright.  May not be imported into UAE. Possession of these drugs, with or without a prescription, may lead to a prison sentence. In addition to the medications listed below, this category includes cannabis, cocaine and opiates, from heroin to poppy seeds (the kind used in everyday baking).

Listed narcotics (active ingredients):
Alfentanil, Amphetamine, Buprenorphone, Codeine, Fentanyl, Ketamine, Methadone, Methyphenidate, Morphine, Pentazocine, Pethidine, Remifentanil, Sufentanil

Listed narcotics (some trade names):
Ketalar, Physeptone, Ritalin, Sosegon, Subutex, Ultiva

Class A Psychotropics

These are drugs for which a prescription must be held. The more verifying paperwork from the authorising doctor which can accompany any drug in this category, the better. In UAE, they can only be dispensed upon production of a registered (health authority-approved) prescription. They include some common sleeping tablets, painkillers, anti-depressants and hormone replacement therapy

Listed Class A Psychotropics (active ingredients):
Acitretin, Alprazolam, Aripiprazole, Bromazepam, Buprenorphine , Butorphanol, Chlopromazine, Chlordiazepoxide, Clobazam, Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Diazepam, Dihydrocodeine, Droperidol, Flumazenil, Flupentixol, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Isotretinoin, Lorazepam, Medazepam, Mephenoxalone, Midazolam, Misoprostol, Nalbuphine, Olanzapine, Phenobarbitone, Pimozide, Prazepam, Prochlorperazine, Propofol, Prostaglandin, Quetiapine, Risperidone, Sulpiride, Sultopride, Temazepam, Thiopentone, Tiapride, Tramadol, Trfluoperazine, Zaleplon, Ziprasidone, Zolpidem, Zuclopenhtixol

 Listed Class A Psychotropics (some trade names):
Abilify, Anexate, Arthrotec, Ativan, Barnetil, Buccastem, Clopixol, Cytotec, Deanxit, Dehydrobenzperidol, Demetrin, DHC continues, Dialag, Diapam, Diprivan, Dogmatil, Dormicum, Dorsilon, Frisium, Gardinal, Genprid, Haldol, Intraval, Largactil, Lexotanil, Limbitrol, Neotigason, Nobrium, Noctran, Nubain, Orap, Prolixin, Propess, Risperdal, Rivotril, Serenace, Seroquel, Sonata, Stadol, Stelazine, Stemetil, Stesolid, Stilnox, Tekam, Temgesic, Tiapridal, Tramal, Tramundin, Tranxene, Valium, Xanax, Zaldiar, Zeldox, Zyprexa

Class B Controlled medicines

Possession of these drugs must be accompanied by a prescription. Many of these drugs are available over-the-counter in other countries (or even in Dubai!) and travellers to or through UAE should ensure they obtain a prescription before carrying any of these drugs to that country. They include many common cold and cough remedies.

Class B Controlled medicines (active ingredients):
Amitriptyline, Baclofen, Benzhexol, Biperiden, Buspirone, Carisoprodol, Citalopram, Clomipramine, Codeine, Cyclobenzaprine, Dextromethorphan, Diphenoxylate, Dotheipin, Duloxetine, Escitalopram, Estradiol, Ethinylestradiol, Etonogestrel, Fluoxetine, Flupenthixol, Fluvoxamine, Imapramine, Isotretonin, Lithium Carbonate, Maprotiline, Menotrophin, Meserolone, Methocarbomol, Mianserin, Milnacipran, Minaprine, Mirtazapine, Moclobemide, Naltrexone, Nandrolone, Nefazodone, Norethisterone, Norethisterone, Norgetrol, Noscapine, Octreotide, Oestradiol, Opipramol, Orphenadrine, Oseltamivir, Oxazepam, Paroxetine, Pholcodine, Pimecrolimus, Procyclidine, Propoxyphene (with paracetemol), Pyrisuccideanol, Reboxetine, Sertraline, Somatrophine, Testosterone, Ticlopidine, Tizanidine, Tretinoin, Trimipramine, Vecuronium, Venlafaxine

Class B Controlled medicines (some trade names):
123 Cold, Actifed Compound, Actifed DM, Activelle, Adol Cold, Adol Compound, Adumbran, Akineton, Algaphan, Anafranil, Andriol, Artane, Athymil, Aurorix, Benxtrone, Bepro, Broncholar, Broncholar forte, Bronchophane, Buspar, Cancolite, Cantor, Cipralex, Cipram, Climen, Codaphen, Codaphen plus, Codilar, Codipront, Codis, Coldex-dD, Cymbalta, Deca durabolin, Decutan, Dextrocuf, Dextrolag, Diarsed, Diaxine, Dicton, Distalgesic, Edronax, Efexor, Elidel, Estracomb, Estrofem, Faverin, Femoston, Flexiban, Flozak, Fluanxol, Flumed DM adult, Fluneurin, Fluoxone, Fluran, Flutin, Fluxetyl, Genotropin, Insidon, Intard, Ixel, Kafosed, Kemadrin, Kliogest, Lagaflex, Linz, Lioresal, Lomotil, Ludiomil, Menogen, Muscadol, Myogesic, Noracod, Norcuron, Norditropin, Norflex, Norgesic, Nuvaing, Oxetine, Paracodol, Phensedyl, Primotestone, Progyluton, Prothiaden, Proviron, Prozac, Remeron, Revacod, Rhinotussel, Riaphan, Roaccutane, Robaxin, Robaxisal, Robitussin-CF, Romilar, Saizen, Salipax, Sandostatin, Saroten, Sedofan DM, Sedofan-P, Seroxat, Serzone, Sirdalud, Somadryl compound, St Joseph cough, Sterandryl, Stivane, Surmontil, Sustanon, Tamiflu, Ticlid, Tixylix, Tofranil, Trexan, Tripofed dm, Trisequens, Tryptizol, Tuscalman, Tussifin with codeine, Unified DM, Vesanoid, Virormone, Zoloft

While every effort has been made to verify the contents of this list, where in doubt, we advise travellers to check their medication with the UAE consulate before travel.

Fair Trials International  recommend on their web site that for further information you should contact: UAE Embassy Medical Department 71 Harley Street, LONDON, W1G 8DE Phone: 02074866281

Related: Other interesting and informative articles

Dubai sights:  “A day in Dubai”, with an interesting way of seeing the city.

Similar drug information for Singapore: “Singapore risks: medicines, drugs, death sentences and tourism”.

Image credit: Altair78, 22 December 2009

The European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) has followed the lead of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in grounding the entire Boeing 787 fleet.  Ethiopian airlines are also grounding their planes on routes that do not fall under the EASA or FAA jurisdiction.

Concerns are focussed on the Lithium ion batteries, which we had identified as a risk in our previous article on the plane’s woes FAA questions safety of Boeing 787.

While Airbus make some use of Lithium ion batteries, they do not have the critical dependence on them that the Dreamliner has, because of its extensive use of electrical control of flight surfaces.

If investigation proves the problem to be a manufacturing defect in the batteries then the Dreamliner fleet will not be grounded for long.  If, however, the fault lies with the aircraft wiring or the design of the electrical systems themselves then there could be major delays.

If there are significant delays it will undermine operator confidence in the Boeing 787 and they will start cancelling orders, preferring perhaps to wait for the Airbus A350, which is currently scheduled to make its maiden flight in mid-2013.

In the mean time, The Guardian newspaper pleads, “Please do not call it the BinLiner”!

Image credit: Strower, 1 November 2012

Following a week in which there was a Boeing 787 safety incident each day, the FAA has ordered a safety review.  Though FAA inspectors spent 200,000 hours inspecting the design during the development process, they now have concerns about elements of the design as well as how the plane is built, and the safety of the electrical systems.

Many new aircraft designs experience a certain number of problems when they first go into production, and these often attract lurid headlines.  This seldom indicates major underlying problems.  However, it also seldom results in an FAA review.

There are only 50 Boeing 787 aircraft in service world-wide, six of which are operated by United Airlines in the USA.  Five incidents in a week therefore represents an alarmingly high problem rate.  It is 10% of the fleet!

Safety IS an issue

The FAA quote U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as saying that “The safety of the travelling public is our top priority.  This review will help us look at the root causes and do everything we can to safeguard against similar events in the future.”

The Boeing 787 fleet has collectively logged 50,000 hours in the air – an average of just 1000 hours per aircraft.  In aircraft terms that is still factory-new.  (The now-resolved wing support problem in the Airbus A380 fleet only emerged at 1800 hours of service, so further surprises could still lie in store for Boeing.  Or not, as the case may be.)

Critical systems

It is clear that this is a serious review, not just a formal checking of the paperwork.  The FAA will check the design of critical systems.  Particular emphasis will be given to the electrical systems.  The interaction between electrical systems and mechanical parts of the aircraft will be examined in detail.  In addition to reviewing the design, the team (which includes Boeing engineers) will also examine manufacture and assembly.

Lithium ion batteries restricted

The fire hazards of Lithium ion batteries have long meant that they may not be shipped by air.  Since 1 January 2008 Lithium ion batteries have also been illegal for passengers to carry in checked-in luggage.  According to reports, in one of the recent Boeing 787 safety incidents a Lithium ion battery manufactured in Japan installed in a Boeing 787 exploded.  Fortunately there was no penetration of the hull.

How did Boeing get permission to install Lithium ion batteries as standard equipment in the Dreamliner?

Manufacture

The likely reason for the review of the manufacturing process is that the Boeing 787 relies on outsourced manufacture to a greater extent than for other planes.  There have been credible, serious allegations aired about outsourced manufacture at Boeing, in relation to structural elements of the 737 NT.  This has been linked to structural failure after minor runway incidents.

Boeing 787 aircraft will continue to fly while the review takes place.

Image credit: Cj Oswald, July 2006

Der Spiegel has reported that repairs to the hairline cracks detected in a few ‘L’ brackets in Airbus A380 aircraft wings could cost nearly €1.5 million per aircraft to repair.  The total cost of the repair programme could be as high as €100 million. 68 A380 airbuses are currently in service.

On 8 February the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandated inspections of all A380 wings, following the discovery of 36 cracks of about 2 centimetres in the ‘L’-shaped rib feet of an aircraft in the Qantas fleet.  These cracks stretched from the rib to skin panel attachment on the underside of the main wings.  The A380 has in the region of 4000 wing brackets on each aircraft, so 36 is a low number.

The EASA does not require A380s to be removed from service.

New aircraft are expected to have modified brackets that will not crack in this way.  Airbus have been frank about the nature of the problem which was caused by three design errors: an unsuitable type of aluminium alloy was used for some of the brackets inside the wings, the bolts selected caused undue strain and the means for closing tiny gaps resulted in increased stress on some brackets.

A380 wings are manufactured in Britain.

Such problems are fairly common on aircraft newly introduced to service.  Airbus competitor Boeing has also had its share of problems with fuselages of the new model 787.

Photo in public domain: Taken by FAA official, August 2005

In 2011 some 507 passengers and 14 people on the ground perished in 28 crashes of multi-engine airliners.  These global statistics were collected by the Aviation Safety Network.  The figures include crashes by airlines that do not belong to IATA, so the IATA total for the year is slightly lower at 486 fatalities.

The average for the preceding ten years was 30 crashes a year, with an annual average of 785 deaths.  2011 was therefore a safer year than usual.

Regional statistics

Further analysis shows that there were no deaths at all in the USA, Europe and northern Asia.  Though Iran had just one crash, that incident resulted in 77 deaths, making it the single worst accident for 2011.

There were 3 fatal crashes each in Canada, the Congo and Indonesia.  Russia suffered 6 fatal crashes.

Canada’s crashes are regarded as a statistical quirk, but the often-extreme weather conditions in that country tend to make flying conditions difficult.  In relation to the number of passenger journeys the Congo comes out looking particularly bad.

The problem in Russia is the number of Soviet-era aircraft with poor reliability that are still in use.  The authorities are obviously aware of the problem and are doing what they can to remedy the situation, which will take time and a great deal of money.

The Congo suffers from a generally poor safety record that is a feature of many African lands.  And Soviet-era aircraft with poor reliability.

EU banned airline list

Since 2006 the European Union has published a list of airlines that are banned from flying into the EU.  The regulations cover safety concerns due to poor maintenance and deficient oversight standards and are based on physical inspection of aircraft that have flown to the EU.

A large segment of the banned airlines are African lands, many of whom, including the Congo, have all airlines based in their country banned from flying to the EU.

If you are travelling to an exotic location and considering using a regional airline, check the EU banned list to see if the airline you are considering is on the banned list.  If it is then the common-sense decision is not to use that airline.

Since the EU list is updated from time to time we are not listing the airlines here but provide a link to the latest copy of the EU list so that you can be sure that it is up to date.  Airlines can be removed from the list once they have demonstrated their safety compliance, and new airlines can be added.

List of airlines banned within the EU

Brace for Impact

Some airlines only provide detailed information on the brace position to business class passengers and up, even for a fee.  (In mid-2011 British Airways were charging £135 for a course giving you full and proper instruction on emergency procedures.)  Here on DIY Travel Expert you can read it for free!

To be frank, the safety charts are often of scant use at all in helping you to understand the brace position.  Airlines are stingy about space and cram as many passengers into the cabin as possible.  As a result. few passengers have the luxury of the amount of space depicted in the diagrams, where the seat in front of you is not a factor.  Most times you are going to have to brace yourself right against the back of the seat in front of you.

Emergency

In an emergency the captain will usually make a brief announcement warning passengers to brace for impact.  Under certain circumstances the cabin crew will make the announcement, for instance if they recognise that something unusual and bad is happening during a takeoff.

You may only have a few seconds to respond.  The captain may say as little as “Brace for impact” or “Prepare for crash landing”.  At that stage he has troubles of his own and you should not expect lengthy instructions.

Cabin crew have their own positions which are different from yours, because their seats are different.

Preparation

1. Before you leave home: One seldom thinks of clothing as a factor in crash survival but it is worth a brief word.  Experts consider the best dress for a flight to be long pants, a shirt with long sleeves and closed lace-up shoes.  High heels are going to have to stay on the plane if you crash and you will lose time in removing them.  Sandals may not protect you from sharp debris or glass.  Nylon clothing is to be avoided because it burns readily and has poor thermal properties. Wool is best for thermal insulation when wet, and cotton has excellent wicking properties if you come down in a jungle, for instance.  If you are flying over snow and ice in bad weather, consider carrying a warm jacket on your lap.

2. It has been suggested that you should buckle and unbuckle your belt a few times when you first sit down, to create “muscle-memory” of where to find the buckle.  It is in front of you, not to the side as it is in cars.  You do not want to have to think about where your buckle is in the possibly confusing aftermath of a crash.

3. After the safety briefing, count and memorise the number of rows to the nearest exit.  It could be dark or smoky when you need to find your way out.

4. Before a crash ensure that your seat belt is securely fastened.  This means having it with no slack, and pushing it down as far as it will go, to avoid internal injuries.  (You want the belt to stop your movement using your pelvis, which is strong, and not your gut.)

5. Put your seat fully upright before getting into the brace position.

British brace position

Lean forward and rest your head on the seat in front of you as far below the tops of the seats as possible.  Place your hands on your head, but not interlocked.  One hand resting on top of the other.  Your feet should be tucked underneath your knees, flat on the floor.  Pull your elbows in towards your body.

The UK guidelines are more recent than the US ones, having been mandated in 1993 following analysis of injuries in the 1989 Kegworth disaster (British Midland Flight 92).

American brace position

Lean forward and rest your head on the seat in front of you as far below the tops of the seats as possible.  Place your hands on the seat in front as well, with one hand holding the other wrist.  Position your forearms at the sides of your head.  Your feet should be tucked underneath your knees, flat on the floor.

If the seat in front is too far away from you to lean on, bend over and put your arms under your knees, holding onto your forearms.  Alternatively, you can hold your ankles.

Guidelines for infant’s brace position

While holding your baby on your lap, adopt the position as best you can, holding the infant with one arm and making sure that the head is protected.

The rationale for the position

The reasoning behind the brace position is the following.  Having your head against the nearest surface that it would bang into during the landing reduces the possibility of head trauma as the impact is then reduced or eliminated.  Keeping your elbows in reduces flailing (arms being flung around from the force of the landing).

Having your feet tucked beneath your knees, as far back as they will go, reduces the risk of your shins or leg being broken on the base of the seat in front.  With broken shins you cannot escape without assistance.  Broken limbs were a contributory factor in the 1989 Kegworth disaster and Korean Airlines Flight 801.

By placing your arms at the sides of your face it will protect your head from being struck by debris.

Though you might not think it, the tray tables and the seat-backs are constructed of material designed to give some cushioning during impact.

You should not interlock your fingers because if you do that and you are struck by a heavy piece of luggage or debris, you will break all ten fingers.  Then how will you unbuckle your seat belt?  Put your dominant hand on your head and cover it with your other hand.  The changes are that even if some fingers are broken, you will still have the full use of your main hand to unbelt yourself, open the door and other such tasks.

By positioning your head as low as possible you somewhat reduce the risk of being clouted by the overhead baggage racks falling on you – the seats will then take the blow.  If you are over 6 ft in height then you may have difficulty in getting low enough.  Airlines “hate” tall people and big people.

The brace position saves lives

Some have been sceptical about the benefits of the brace position.  Accident investigations have confirmed that the brace position reduces injuries and saves lives.  In particular it reduces possible head trauma and ensures that you can escape from the stricken aeroplane without needing aid.

A good example is that of the emergency landing on the Hudson river by flight US1549 on 15 January 2009.  All 155 passengers on board survived because they experienced no head trauma and could evacuate the plane.  (However, pictures of the passengers standing on the wings with the plane in the river show that only 18 of them used their life-jackets!)

Another instance of the brace position saving lives was Scandinavian Airlines flight 751 which crashed and everybody survived.  Everyone on board had adopted the brace position.

Listen to the safety instructions, read the safety chart, and know how to do the brace position properly.

See also our articles on In-flight safety – hazard awareness and Deep vein thrombosis – protect yourself and Flying when you are ill – what to do

Copyright DIY Travel Expert

Wisdom teeth that are hurting and need to be removed. The writer’s own experience of this is that being at altitude with an impacted wisdom tooth that needed pulling was extremely unpleasant. The dull ache that had developed earlier in my journey became a harsh pain fifteen minutes after take-off. The reason was that the cabin is only required to be pressurised to 8000 ft, so there is a significant pressure drop. (In a Boeing 767 the pressure corresponds to 6,900 ft and the Airbus A380, currently the “best”, maintains a cabin pressure equivalent to 5,000 ft).

Colds and flu. If your eustachian tube is blocked or your sinuses are congested then you are going to have a problem. Additionally, if three is a lot of liquid build-up in your inner ear then the pressure could lead to the rupture of your eardrum.  This is an immediate medical emergency.

Foot injuries. Ankle injuries in particular are unpleasant to travel with. If you have a sprained ankle and you are travelling in economy class, it is going to be very uncomfortable.

Upset stomach. This speaks for itself in terms of discomfort.

Also, there is the risk of being denied boarding if the airline deems you unfit to travel at time of check in or boarding. Boarding a flight home from London a few years back, I had a swollen foot and was limping. The check-in clerk looked at me with suspicion, but held his peace. It swelled even more during the flight and I took my shoe off, with some difficulty. A stewardess walked past and said, ‘You’re not going to get that back into your shoe! If they had spotted this at boarding, you wouldn’t have been allowed to travel without a medical certificate from your doctor”.

You can also clear your injury with the airline beforehand, or you may be denied boarding, depending on their assessment of your mobility. Bear in mind that the airline has to contend with regulations that require you to be fit enough to evacuate from the aircraft in an emergency. (The hazard of trying to clear it with the airline is that they could say “no”, in which case you are going to be grounded until such time as your condition as improved enough to convince a doctor that you can travel.) As a basic rule of thumb, if you are okay for going up and down stairs, you should be okay for flight. If you have a broken leg in a cast, though, the airline will in some cases allow you to fly but require that you book an extra seat.

What to do about it
Since we are covering conditions that arise while you are travelling, the time-honoured advice of “get it fixed before you leave home” is not going to work. If it happens when you are already in flight then your sole solution is to ask the cabin crew for help. If the condition has developed while you are away from home but before you board then there may be actions you can take. Since this is DIY Travel Expert, we naturally have some practical advice.

Toothpain: Get painkiller drugs from a pharmacist. If there is time to see a doctor, get suitable antibiotics (or get them from a chemist if you are visiting a country where pharmacists are allowed to prescribe medication). The antibiotic will help reduce the pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the tooth or gum.

Colds, flu and sinus conditions: Use decongestants. You may find that a spray will give you faster relief than medication that you have to swallow. Sprays will not leave you feeling drowsy, and you could take a tipple, whereas if you have taken a decongestant pill the chances are that you will be advised strictly not to use alcohol.

Burst ear-drum: This is a medical emergency. Alert the cabin-crew immediately. The pilot may even have to turn the plane around. Or land at the nearest viable airport.

Sprains: The usual advice for treatment of sprains is “RICE” – Rest, apply Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest is going to be achievable. You can ask the personnel for ice and a towel (dampen the towel first – you are trying to cool down inflammation, you do not want to make the situation worse by causing frostbite). For compression you should preferably purchase an elasticised bandage designed for the injured body-part, which avoids applying compression inappropriately. For instance, a knee-guard will not apply pressure to the kneecap. As an alternative, have the part bandaged by a trained person the first time, then copy the method exactly yourself thereafter. Elevation is going to be a problem if you are travelling in “coach”. Bear in mind that you still need to take precautions against deep-vein thrombosis, even if you have a minor injury.

Oxygen.  If you have any condition that leaves you short of breath on the ground, it is likely that it will be worse at altitude.  If you require oxygen then will not be allowed to take your own tank on board because home medical oxygen tanks are not FAA-certified.  The airlines will require 48 hours notice if you need oxygen and it will cost you $50-$75 per tank or trip.

Upset stomach. If this happens before boarding, get to a pharmacy (many major airports also have pharmacies) and get something to help the symptoms. This might also be the one occasion that you would like to request a seat close to the lavatory at check-in.

The cabin crew are trained in first-aid, so consult with them if you experience discomfort or any new or unusual symptoms.

For more on in-flight safety, see our article on in-flight safety – hazard awareness and deep vein thrombosis – protect yourself.

Note: The suggestions listed here are not a substitute for proper medical advice. You should determine their suitability in your situation, and you are always cautioned to seek advice from an approved professional.

As reported in the Boston Globe, Marty Salfen, senior vice president of the International Airline Passengers Association, states that “if you have any type of medical condition, see a doctor prior to getting on the plane.  And if you feel sick once you’re on board, contact the flight attendant.  Don’t wait until it’s virtually too late.”

This food advice is useful even if you are not travelling – even in the USA 250,000 people are hospitalised each year for diarrhoea, and the food safety in the United States is a great deal better than it is in many countries.  There are other examples too: thousands of people got sick and dozens died in mid-2011 from eating raw vegetables originating in Germany, which were contaminated by a strain of E. Coli bacteria.

The cause

Traveller’s diarrhoea (unkindly called various local names including Delhi Belly and Montezuma’s Revenge) and related problems are caused by contaminated food.

Avoiding illness while travelling – What you touch

Good personal hygiene, particularly about one’s hands is critically important in preventing infection whilst travelling.  Wash your hands before and after using the toilet, after handling money, and before meals.  Also wash your hands before touching your face or putting your fingers in your mouth.

Only use potable water to rinse your mouth and toothbrush when you brush your teeth.  Also, do not use water you would not drink to clean items in close contact with eyes and mouth, such as contact lenses.

Be careful about swimming in fresh water.  Aside from the risk of pollutants, you may also unwittingly be exposing yourself to parasites including river blindness and bilharzia, caused by parasitic worms.

First aid

Stay hydrated.  The volume of liquid you take in must approximate the amount of liquid you lose.

The water that you drink must be clean and uncontaminated.  If it is at all suspect you can boil it for twenty minutes to kill off the bacteria.

Research has established that pure water is not absorbed by the body as fast as a mild solution of electrolytes.  You can buy “Oral Rehydration” sachets to add to water, or you can make up your own in an emergency.  The basic recipe is:

1/2 to 1 level teaspoon of salt

6 to 8 level teaspoons of sugar

1 litre of clean, drinkable water

Antimotility drugs are useful as they slow down the rate at which food passes through your body.  This will at least give you the time to get back to your hotel, call a doctor, etc.  Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you which ones to take with you.

See a doctor

Several food poisoning causes are potentially life-threatening and you should always 1) stay hydrated with clean water and 2) exercise caution and see a competent doctor, particularly if the symptoms are severe or protracted.  Diarrhoea can even be a symptom of a serious tropical disease that needs additional specialist medical treatment.

Avoiding illness while travelling – What you eat

The most frequent cause of  illness while travelling is food contamination, caused by:

• Improper food storage and handling leading to bacterial contamination
• Infection by micro-organisms: bacteria and amoebas, protozoa
• Chemical residues and contamination
• Toxins produced by fungi

You should avoid:

• Hot food that has been allowed to cool down
• Cold food that has warmed up
• Reheated food
• Food that has been uncovered or exposed to flies or other creatures

Chicken is particularly treacherous if undercooked.  Even if grilled, it can have uncooked portions if it was put on the griller directly from the freezer.  Boiled or baked is probably the safest.  Microwaved chicken is probably the least safe because you do not know if it has been heated sufficiently right through.  If there are raw or undercooked parts of the chicken, don’t eat it.

Beef should be well done unless you have sound reason to trust the kitchen (for instance if it is a Michelin-Star kitchen then the chances are that even Steak Tartare is safe to eat).

Avoid food prepared in the street, particularly if there is a possibility for cross-contamination between raw meat and cooked meat.

Buffets can be suspect.  The food is exposed for extended periods to contamination, including people coughing and sneezing near them.  You do not know how good the hygiene is of people that have used the serving utensils, so you could be getting germs on your hands while serving.  It is also possible for tongs or spoons to fall into the dish, thus contaminating the food.

Buffets are also bad because it is rare that the temperature control is adequate.  Hot foods need to be kept hot in order to destroy bacteria.  Once they cool down to merely warm they actually promote bacterial growth.  Hot food kept hot (over 40° C) will be over-cooked in a relatively short period of time.

Cold foods also need to be kept cold.  The rate of bacterial growth doubles with every 10° C increase in temperature.  (Around 20° F temperature change.)  A salad may be at freezing point at the bottom but near room temperature at the top surface.

It there is any slight symptom at all of fungus infection of food, do not eat it.  Visible fungus is often very small in relation to the mycelium penetrating the food, so by the time it shows the whole mass of food may be infected.  Fungi produce poisons called mycotoxins that are not destroyed by cooking.  One group of such poisons called aflatoxins are among the most carcinogenic substances known, but you first have to survive the initial poisoning for that to be a worry.  Many do not survive aflatoxin poisoning.

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Fresh fruit and vegetables are potentially dangerous because you have no idea if they are contaminated or if they have been properly cleaned.  In the tropics it is necessary to do more than merely washing fruit and veg. : they need to be soaked and scrubbed in a dilute chlorine bleach to kill off the amoebas and avoid things like amoebic dysentery.

Avoid salads for this reason.  Not only are salads rarely washed thoroughly enough, in addition to bacteria and amoebas they can also harbour parasitic organisms like flukes and snails, particularly in tropical regions.

Eat only vegetables that have been boiled for an extended period, or baked.

Avoiding illness while travelling – What you drink

Bottle of water

Avoid anything containing ice as it is only as good as the water it was made from, as clean as the kitchen it came from, and as pure as the containers and plumbing it has been handled with.

Some countries have entirely safe tap water supplies, which you can determine when researching your destination.  Others, even first-world countries, may have dubious water quality and you should drink only bottled water.  Some countries (for instance Turkey) have water certification procedures and your hotel will display a certificate that indicates their care in relation to water supply.  That does not mean that you can drink their tap water, but merely means that they may, for instance, have safe drinking water available to guests.

It can be difficult or impossible for you to purify contaminated water by yourself as a traveller.  Treatment with iodine or chlorine tablets will help to kill off bacteria if done correctly.  However, this is not magic, and cannot remove metal contamination, or chemical and pesticide residues, etc.  There are other possibilities that first filter the water, then sterilise it usually with activated charcoal, or ultraviolet light.

If the local water is unsafe then use only reputable bottled water (or water stated as potable that is provided by a certified hotel).  If you cannot get bottled water then drink brand-name bottled soda drinks: Coke, Pepsi, etc.  Staying hydrated is more important in the short term than a few extra calories or the state of your teeth