Aviation - Flammable Liquid Fuels

When the transport of flammable liquids is not possible through other forms of transportation because of extenuating circumstances, they may be carried on certain passenger and cargo aircraft. The pilot-in-command must prohibit smoking, lit matches, lit cigar, pipe, cigarette or flame, and the use of anything that might cause an open flame or spark while in flight. For passenger aircraft, the pilot-in-command must also inform each passenger of the location of the fuel and the hazards involved.

If the aircraft is being operated by a holder of a certificate under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135, the appropriate limitations and conditions found within the operations manual and accepted by the FAA must be followed. If the aircraft is being operated under 14 CFR Part 91, operations must be followed in accordance with a plan accepted and acknowledged in writing by the FAA Principal Operations Inspector.

For small passenger-carrying aircraft operated entirely within the State of Alaska or into a remote area, flammable liquid fuels in Packing Group II or Packing Group III are permissible in quantities up to 76 L (20 gallons) when provisions under §175.310 (b) are followed.

Flammable liquids are permissible via cargo aircraft as long as fuel is packaged according to one of the following requirements:

• In Packing Group II or Packing Group III.
  • Exceptions are found in §175.310 (c)(1)(iv).
• In metal drums authorized for Packing Group I or Packing Group II liquid hazardous materials that have capacities of 220 L (58 gallons) or less. They may not be transported in the same aircraft with Class 1, Class 5, or Class 8 materials.
• Within strong, tight metal containers of not more than 20-L (5.3 gallons) capacity, each packed within a UN 4G fiberboard box at the Packing Group II performance level, or each packed inside a UN 4C1 wooden box at the Pack Group II performance level.
• Within airtight, leak-proof containers of no more than 40 L (11 gallons) capacity, and of at least 28-gauge metal, each packed inside a UN 4C1 wooden box at the Packing Group II performance level.
• In UN1A1 steel drums at the Packing Group I or II performance level, and not more than 20-L (5.3 gallons) capacity.

If a combustible or flammable liquid fuel has a capacity of more than 450 L (118.9 gallons), they are subject to the following conditions:

• The tanks and their associated piping, equipment, and installation must be approved for the material to be transported by the appropriate FAA Flight Standards District Office.
• The crew of the aircraft must be thoroughly briefed on the operation of the bulk tank system being used. For cases where the aircraft is being operated by a certificate holder, check 175.310(B) for requirements.
• During loading and unloading:
  • Only electrically operated bulk tank shutoff valves that contain a supplemental type certificate may be operated.
  • Static ground wire must be connected between the storage tank (or fueler) and the aircraft, and between the aircraft and a positive ground device.
  • No engine, electrical equipment, avionic equipment, or auxiliary power units may be operated, except position lights used by operators under certain conditions.

During loading, unloading, handling, or carrying of fuel, HAZMAT employees must comply with the following provisions:

• No person may smoke, carry a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or any device capable of causing an open flame or spark within 15 m (50 feet) of any aircraft.
• No person may fill or discharge a container, other than an approved bulk tank, with a Class 3 material or combustible liquid, while that container is inside or within 15 m (50 feet) of the aircraft.
• The doors and hatches of the aircraft must be fully open to ensure ventilation when filling an approved bulk tank by hose from inside an aircraft.
• Each area or compartment in which the fuel is loaded must be suitably ventilated.
• Fuel can only be transferred to the aircraft fuel tanks while aircraft is on the ground.

For fuel tanks attached to flammable liquid powered equipment, the equipment must be secured in an upright position and must not be fueled or refueled during transportation. Each fuel tank must be filled in a manner that will prevent spillage during loading, unloading, and transport.

Flammable liquid fuel provisions are found in §175.310.

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