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 pilots frequently carry various hazardous materials—including emergency supplies, firearms, and even aviation fuel—with significantly fewer regulatory restrictions compared to commercial operators.
• The article warns against complacency regarding hazardous cargo, citing incidents caused by both common and novel materials, which underscore the serious risks involved.
• Despite looser regulations, Part 91 pilots are solely responsible for understanding and safely handling all cargo; they are advised to consult commercial hazardous materials guidelines (like the DOT's table) for best practices and safety insights.

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