Traveling in a light sport with a backup battery

Posted by theLongDistanceHiker@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 6 comments

I have a bit of a strange question. I'm hoping that someone with some technical expertise around this may be part of the group.

Essentially, my wife and I are hoping to use our CTLS for some "flamping" (fly-in camping) in the U.S. over the summer. We have been investigating different batteries to power a Starlink and computers to stay engaged with work stuff.

We are aware of the specialized Starlink batteries, and while they're pretty neat in terms of their size and form factor, they don't do much for powering other devices like phones, the iPad to run ForeFlight, a computer, etc.

So, we've been investigating batteries like this one - amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Portable-Charging-Generator/dp/B0CVZQ5RN1/ref=sxin_17_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.6e161ee3-cdf8-498d-a461-50d1d53c2399:amzn1.sym.6e161ee3-cdf8-498d-a461-50d1d53c2399&crid=2VA6OPJLTONLR&cv_ct_cx=ecopro%2Brapid%2Bflow%2Bbattery&keywords=ecopro%2Brapid%2Bflow%2Bbattery&pd_rd_i=B0CVZQ5RN1&pd_rd_r=74abf943-a807-4d70-bfcc-0d8790e77528&pd_rd_w=pB205&pd_rd_wg=c2umV&pf_rd_p=6e161ee3-cdf8-498d-a461-50d1d53c2399&pf_rd_r=F9BA7NZDM3BGB65F4JVE&qid=1775690217&s=lawn-garden&sbo=Tc8eqSFhUl4VwMzbE4fw/w%3D%3D&sprefix=ecopro%2B,lawngarden,316&sr=1-2-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&aref=1nWQQLvtrP&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

Does anyone think that this kind of battery would be dangerous to have in the baggage area or cabine? I am wondering about electrical interference with the ELT, Dynon glass avionics or other concerns?

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rFlyingTower@reddit

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I have a bit of a strange question. I'm hoping that someone with some technical expertise around this may be part of the group.

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f1racer328@reddit

Just remember those batteries weigh a lot. My buddies and I all have EcoFlow batteries and none of us have ever had a problem with them. EcoFlow Anker and Jackery are all good brands.

I would leave them somewhere accessible if that’s an option, and store it in a lithium containment bag.

Necessary_Topic_1656@reddit

we use the anker version for when the power goes out in our home after a squall line moves thru or the power goes out for 3 week after a hurricane comes thru.

it's runs our central A/C, stovetop, lights, and internet router and everything -

run it off the solar panels and if the sun isn't shining, it's hooked up to a 2kw Honda generator to recharge the batteries - it's a good piece of kit.

hopefully it doesn't go into thermal runaway.

if its in the baggage area when it runs away, you won't be able to access it which would be problematic. in the cabin, probably doesn't make a difference if you have to move the seat out of the way to get to the battery or to heave the battery overboard (Im thinking of a trying to get a backseat passenger out of a Cessna 172 - don't know what a CTLS is).

AndyTheEngr@reddit

First, always strip all the unnecessary stuff from your links.

amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Portable-Charging-Generator/dp/B0CVZQ5RN1

I don't know anything about that brand, but I'd feel fine flying with a Jackery or Anker. My Jackery can be turned off, so I wouldn't expect any interference while flying.

That said, it's not zero risk, even with a reputable brand. If a big battery pack does catch fire, you'll be landing right now because it's going to fill the cabin with noxious fumes.

CSGOTRICK@reddit

I have a few Ankers that supply power from solar for a couple external structures at my home. Ecoflows have their ups and downs, but they do work about as well as the others

nickjohnson@reddit

Ecoflow are a good brand. I have one of their battery packs as a UPS and it's an excellent piece of kit.

Carrying a large lithium ion battery is always going to be a risk, however small; if it goes into thermal runaway I doubt you'd have much chance of landing before it fills the cabin with toxic smoke or burns through something important. It's not likely to happen, but only you can decide if you're okay with the risk.