Traveling with HEED 3 is easy.

HEED 3 - Airline Travel

How to Fly with HEED 3

When carrying HEED 3 on a commercial aircraft, the system must be empty and according to TSA regulations, the regulator must be unscrewed from the cylinder so TSA screeners can be sure that it is empty.

To empty all the air out of the HEED 3, press the Purge Button until no more air is released.
Unscrew the regulator from the cylinder counter-clockwise (no special tools are needed – it is screwed on hand tight). If the regulator does not unscrew easily DO NOT force or use tools, instead soak the entire HEED 3 in a 1-1 vinegar & water solution overnight to loosen any corrosion. Leave the o-ring, washer and exhaust discs on the regulator.
Place the regulator and cylinder in a Ziploc plastic bag to protect and keep them clean. Submersible Systems offers a custom "Travel Pack" which includes its own carrying bag - see left below left. Keep HEED 3 regulator and cylinder threads clean and dry. Include HEED 3 Owners Manual so TSA employees can refer to it if they have questions.
Pack HEED 3 in your checked or carry-on baggage.
Reattach the regulator and cylinder and refill HEED 3 when you reach your dive destination. You may lightly lubricate the tank o-ring with a small amount of silicone spray or grease - NEVER use a hydrocarbon based oil. DO NOT force regulator onto tank - if you feel resistance stop and unscrew and start again.
Replace tank o-ring after product has been disassembled and reassembled 3 times, or o-ring shows signs of wear or air leakage. Tank O-ring size is 016 and you should be able to purchase from any dive shop.

Regulator Diaphragm / O ring Assembly

Traveling with your HEED 3 is legal and easy even though the war on terrorism has created greater travel restrictions. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):

"A compressed gas cylinder is allowed in carry-on or checked baggage ONLY if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside. TSA Security Screeners will NOT remove the seal/regulator valve from the cylinder at the checkpoint. If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator. TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside."

Helpful Links:

TSA web site page about Transporting SCUBA Equipment.
TSA web site Customer Service page with links and information about how to recover confiscated equipment and submitting claims.
List of Permitted and Prohibited Items by the TSA.

TRAVEL PACK which includes plastic protective caps for both the regulator and cylinder threads and additional o-rings all in a durable, reusable plastic pouch. P/N 963 $16.00 IN STOCK NOW!!!