Because of the ability to move hazardous materials quickly from place to place, transportation by air has been used more frequently. With larger numbers of aircraft in the sky and the dangers associated with air travel, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken steps to increase safety for the public. These steps provide guidance when loading, unloading, and transporting hazardous materials by air.
Scope
Anyone transporting hazardous materials by aircraft to, from, or within the United States must follow the applicable sections of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
Key definitions
- Cargo aircraft only: An aircraft that is used to transport cargo and is not engaged in carrying passengers. The terms cargo aircraft only, cargo-only aircraft, and cargo aircraft have the same meaning.
- Passenger-carrying aircraft: An aircraft that carries any person other than a crewmember, company employee, an authorized representative of the United States, or a person accompanying the shipment.
Summary of requirements
- Anyone offering, accepting, and transporting hazardous materials by aircraft must comply with the requirements contained in Part 175.
- All hazardous materials must be inspected prior to being loaded on the aircraft.
- The Segregation Table must be used whenever labeled or placarded materials from more than one hazard class or division are to be loaded, stored, or transported
- Certain classes of hazardous materials have specific requirements when being transported by air.