Re: Arc4 going thru customs at Sydney airport
Two comments:
1).It is going to be tough to ban flashlights. Current FAA regulations require several to be aboard every aircraft, in plain view, and available for people to grab if needed, so it isn't like they are behind lock and key, or even a glass plate. They just sit in a holder, with a red that flashes ever 5 seconds or so..
Generally these are 2 cell C or D, and the batteries need to be changed on a regular maintenance schedule.
2). As far as weapons go, I will believer the terminally stupid agency, or other security agency is serious when they cease to allow the sale of glass bottled duty free on the aircraft or duty free. I'd have a hard time believing you can do much damage with an ARC flashlight, perhaps more with a 2D ma*lite, but neither is in the league with a 1 liter glass bottle of spirits. You can start a good fire with the contents, the bottle makes a nasty weapons intact, and a nastier weapon in pieces....
A lot of this stuff borders on insanity. Earlier this year I transported a couple or 406Mhz PLB's. Special arrangements needed to be made because of the lithium battery used in PLB's and EPIRB's. While there are problems carrying these and as checked luggage (it is illegal, they are classed as Hazmat), that doesn't alter the fact that the aircraft if it goes over water has to actually carry a bunch of the larger version of things (EPIRB's, with far larger lithium batteries) as a matter of law.... It's illegal to carry it, but it has to be on board.. Go figure....
