Know Thy Cargo

Out flying about here in Idaho, its amazing the kind of useful cargo that gets thrown into a typical personal airplane. Personally, Ive flown white gas, propane, butane, isobutene, bear spray, flares, magnesium metal, petroleum jelly-soaked cotton, windproof matches, fire starter, resin wood, radioactive materials, guns and ammunition. And thats just my emergency kit. I also usually carry (mostly) full tanks of aviation fuel and an engine filled with oil. You probably do, also.

Key Takeaways:

• Part 91 general aviation pilots frequently carry a wide range of hazardous materials, from fuel and emergency items to firearms and explosives, without being subject to the strict regulations imposed on commercial flights.
• The article illustrates the dangers of such cargo with examples of common and novel hazards (e.g., binary explosives, compressed gas cylinders, radioactive lantern mantles) and past incidents.
• Despite regulatory exemptions, pilots in command are urged to prioritize safety, understand the risks associated with their cargo, and apply best practices by consulting commercial hazardous materials guidelines.

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