Aviation - Special Aircraft Operations Exceptions

Operators must ensure that, when it comes to the rotorcraft external load operations, all applicable requirements found in 14 CFR Part 133 are approved by the FAA Administrator and the Associate Administrator prior to accepting or transporting hazardous material.

§175.9 contains exceptions to special aircraft operations when applicable FAA operator requirements have been met. The following aircraft operations exceptions are included:

• HAZMAT in hoppers or tanks of aircrafts for use in aerial seeding, dusting, spraying, fertilizing, crop improvement, or pest control to be dispensed during operation.
• Parachute activation devices, lighting equipment, oxygen cylinders, flotation devices, smoke grenades, or flares.
• Smoke grenades, flares, and pyrotechnic devices during any flight conducted as part of a scheduled air show or exhibition. The aircraft must not carry any persons other than required flight crewmembers.
• HAZMAT used during air ambulance, fire fighting, or search and rescue operations.
• A transport incubator unit necessary to protect life or an organ preservation unit necessary to protect human organs, provided regulations in §175.9(5)(i-vii) are followed.
• Hazardous material carried on or in cargo-only aircraft that is to be dispensed during flight for weather control, environmental restoration or protection, forest preservation and protection, fire fighting and prevention, flood control, or avalanche control purposes when requirements in §175.9 (6)(i-v) are followed.

To learn more about Aviation HAZMAT visit our DOT Aviation HAZMAT Online Training web page.