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 private pilots often carry numerous hazardous materials—such as fuel, emergency kit items, firearms, and even seemingly innocuous items like lantern mantles—despite being largely exempt from the strict regulations governing commercial flights.
• These commonly carried items pose significant safety risks, as demonstrated by past incidents involving undeclared or improperly handled hazardous cargo, leading to engine failures, fires, or incapacitation of flight crews.
• Despite regulatory exemptions, Part 91 pilots in command have a personal responsibility to understand the hazards of their cargo, ensure its safe handling and stowage, and are advised to consult commercial hazardous materials guidelines for best practices.

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