USFCC Developing Portable Fuel Cell Air Guidance Document for Security Screeners.

WASHINGTON -- The portable fuel cell era is dawning. The US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) is developing a fuel cell Air Guidance Document for airport security screeners and has issued a call to fuel cell developers world-wide to supply information on products that will become available in 2007.

"International regulatory agencies have approved the transport of fuel cells and certain fuels upon which fuel cell systems operate, in airline passenger cabins beginning in January, 2007," explained Robert Wichert, Technical Director of the USFCC. "The Air Guidance Document is intended to guide airport security screeners in inspecting carry-on baggage.

"If your company plans to market a fuel cell, a fuel cell powered product or a fuel cartridge in 2007 that could be transported in an airline passenger cabin, please send a photo, date of availability and product details to the USFCC for inclusion in its Air Guidance Document," Wichert said.

This list is one aspect of the continuing US Fuel Cell Council efforts to provide guidance pertinent to airport professionals in evaluating the suitability of carrying fuel cells onboard passenger aircraft in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO - www.icao.int) Technical Instructions, Part 8.

Fuel cell industry efforts to provide guidance and support to airline professionals regarding fuel cell systems approved for carry-on use have progressed through discussions with the International Air Transport Association (IATA - www.iata.org). A similar guidance document is planned for Screeners and Security personnel. Drafts are being prepared and will be provided for review and use prior to December, 2006.

For further information, please contact Robert Wichert, at [e-mail] or 1-916-966-9060. More details are available at www.usfcc.com.