During my RAF engineering apprenticeship (1954-6), it was stressed that striking magnesium with a rusty ferrous object could result in the magnesium igniting. When lit, the magnesium is usually impossible to put out with normal extinguishers. There are also strict regulations governing working with magnesium that are designed to avoid this hazard.
I have noticed that some portable computing devices are being advertised as having magnesium cases. Could someone assure me, giving reasons, that carrying these devices on board aircraft does not constitute a fire hazard.
Don Moon
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK
Source: Flight International
