Dangerous Goods in General Aviation page 1/16

Table of contents page

Dangerous Goods: what are they and how to identify them? 3

Dangerous Goods allowed to be carried by passengers, task specialists and

4
crew in their baggage or on them
Dangerous Goods other than those transported by passengers, task specialists
5
and crew in their baggage or on them
Training and responsibility of the pilot 6
Where can I find further information? 7
Appendix:
1 - Consumer and dangerous goods labelling 8
2 - Extract from Table 8-1 of the ICAO Technical Instructions 13

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 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BOOKLET

This booklet provides the General Aviation Community with more information about
dangerous goods and the hazards they might pose to the aircraft and people on board if
handled or transported incorrectly. It also gives information about the types of dangerous
goods that are allowed to be taken aboard an aircraft during NCO (including NCO.SPEC)
operations.
Note: Annex I aircraft are regulated under national law and therefore are not subject to this
booklet. If you need more information, contact your national aviation authority (NAA).

DANGEROUS GOODS: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM?

What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are defined as articles or substances which are capable of posing a
hazard to health, safety, property or the environment and which are listed within the ICAO
Technical Instructions (ICAO Doc 9284), or which are classified according to those
Instructions.

What kind of items are dangerous goods?

There are many dangerous goods you might find around the home, workshop or garden
shed that you might not think about as dangerous goods, some examples include:
Explosives distress flares, ammunition, fireworks
Gases aerosols, camping gas, medical oxygen, nitrogen, carbon
dioxide, insecticides, fire extinguishers
Flammable liquids perfumes, alcoholic spirits, paints, thinners, adhesives and
fuels (including residues within apparatus)
Flammable solids hexamine fire lighters
Oxidizing substances chemicals for swimming pools, bleaches, nitric acid, hair
dyes
Organic peroxides kits for repairing glass fiber products
Toxic substances chemicals for agriculture (herbicides, insecticides)
Infectious substances some vaccines, some biological samples
Radioactive materials medical isotopes, scientific samples, some smoke detectors
Corrosives bleaches, cleaning products, acid batteries, various acidic
solutions, disinfectants, mercury
Miscellaneous substances dry ice, various rescue devices, magnets

Lithium batteries such as power banks, and portable electronic devices (PEDs) which
contain lithium batteries such as phones, tablets, laptop computers, shavers, cameras,
drones, tools, medical devices, e-bikes and scooters are also dangerous goods. In
particular chargers, power banks and e-cigarettes from unofficial sources without CE
markings have been identified as a particular risk.

How can I identify dangerous goods?

Consumer hazard symbols on the product container, or dangerous goods hazard warning
or handling labels on the packaging. See Appendix 1 for consumer and dangerous goods
labelling.

For substances and mixtures, dangerous goods may be identified by contacting the
manufacturer or supplier of the product to request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Section 14
will show whether the product is classified as dangerous goods when transported.

The product or its packaging may be marked with a four-digit UN number (e.g. UN1950).

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 Although I use some dangerous goods at home quite safely, can take them with me when
I go flying?
NO. In flight, these dangerous goods will be subject to additional conditions (temperature,
pressure, vibration, acceleration) that may be different from the conditions of storage or
use on ground. This might lead to a problem in flight that is much more difficult to solve
than when you are on ground.
This is why carrying Dangerous Goods in the air is subject to strict regulations (EASA Air
Operations Regulations referring to ICAO Technical Instructions) that guarantee flight
safety.

For instance, with regards to lithium batteries and personal electronic devices (PEDs) that
contain lithium batteries, if they are not protected from short-circuit or if they are damaged,
for example if trapped in your seat or left switched on when placed within baggage, they
can catch fire or explode. Furthermore, PEDs used in flight when not well ventilated could
also overheat and lead to malfunction.

NOTE: Lithium batteries have to be successfully tested against the UN Manual of Tests
and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3. If they are not tested, they are not allowed to be
transported. To minimize the risk of buying untested batteries, you should purchase them
from reputable suppliers. In case of doubt, you may ask your supplier or seller for evidence
in the form of a summary test report. Consumer electronics bought from shops in the EU
should carry the CE marking that makes it easy to tell that it is safe to take on an aircraft.

DANGEROUS GOODS ALLOWED TO BE CARRIED BY PASSENGERS, TASK SPECIALISTS

AND CREW IN THEIR BAGGAGE OR ON THEM

What can I carry with me or in my baggage when flying on a GA aircraft?

It is forbidden to carry dangerous goods either as or in baggage or on their person unless
the dangerous goods are permitted in accordance with Table 8-1 of the ICAO Technical
Instructions and are for personal use only. An extract of ICAO Table 8-1 is provided of at
Appendix 2: it relates to the more common articles in NCO and NCO.SPEC operations.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.b2,

Where can I see the full list of dangerous goods which may be carried by passengers, task
specialists and crew in their baggage or on them?
Consult the web pages of your national aviation authority, for instance the application
hosted in the French Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition website:
www.ecologique-solidaire.gouv.fr/en/items-not-permitted-be-carried-airplanes-or-helicopters-or-
subject-restrictions
When using the Airbag App in the context of General Aviation, the terms "in the hold" and
"in the cabin" must be understood respectively as "NOT accessible during flight" and
"accessible during flight” (see Appendix 2).

For lithium batteries the ‘Watt-hour rating’ or Wh is important. Where do I find this
information?
Most consumer electronics will have batteries that are fine to take on an aircraft. When it
comes to spare batteries and more professional equipment like camera equipment etc it is
important to check. The information may be shown on the battery, its packaging or in the
manufacturer's documentation.
It can also be calculated if you find the information V and Ah. Wh is equal to V x Ah.
For instance, if you read on the battery 3.8 V and 2000 mAh, the calculation is:
Wh = V x Ah = 3.8 V x 2 Ah = 7.6 Wh (taking into account 2000 mAh corresponds to 2 Ah).

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 DANGEROUS GOODS OTHER THAN THOSE TRANSPORTED BY PASSENGERS, TASK
SPECIALISTS AND CREW IN THEIR BAGGAGE OR ON THEM

What if I need to carry dangerous goods for the purposes of the flight?
In addition to the provisions for passengers, task specialists and crew, Commission
Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (the EASA Air Operations Regulations) allows dangerous
goods to be transported:

1) by NCO or NCO.SPEC operations for specific purposes, for example for dropping
in connection with agricultural, horticultural, forestry, ice jam control and landslide
clearance or pollution control activities.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.b1, referring to general exceptions set in Part 1 of ICAO Technical Instructions
Chapter 1 § 1.1.5

NOTE: The ICAO Technical Instructions apply specific requirements to the carriage
of these dangerous goods.
To be able to carry out these operations you may need other approvals. For
example, dropping in connection with agricultural, horticultural or forestry control
may need an approval from a national environmental protection agency. You may
also need a low level flight permit if you plan to fly under a certain height/altitude.

2) by NCO or NCO.SPEC, when required to be aboard the aircraft in accordance with

the pertinent airworthiness requirements and operating regulations or that are
authorised by the concerned authority, for example: fire extinguishers, lifejackets,
navigational aid for the pilot in electronic flight bag, GPS, portable oxygen system
when flying at high altitude, etc.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.b1, referring to exceptions for operator set in Part 1 of ICAO Technical
Instructions Chapter 2 § 2.2

3) When carried in NCO or NCO.SPEC operations in reasonable quantities to facilitate

flight safety, where carriage aboard the aircraft is advisable to ensure their timely
availability for operational purposes.
This could include items such as de-icing or anti-icing liquid, fuel, engine or
gearbox oil.
The carriage of dangerous goods in these cases is authorised only for the aircraft
concerned (it cannot be to supply another aircraft).
For NCO or NCO.SPEC operations, the packing and loading must be performed
under the responsibility of the pilot in order to minimise the risks to the occupants
or to the aircraft during flight or on the ground. It is recommended that the
segregation and securing requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions be
complied with.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.f

4) For NCO.SPEC operations, parachutists may carry smoke train devices which are
manufactured for this purpose and exit the aircraft for the purpose of parachute
display.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.SPEC.PAR.120

NOTE: If such devices or equivalent ones are installed on the aircraft, it is a design
change that must be covered by a supplemental type certificate (STC) and the
installation is not subject to the DG regulation. But if these devices are carried as
cargo, they are under the scope of the DG regulation.

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 What if I need to transport other dangerous goods?
Any other dangerous goods may only be transported under an approval granted by the
State of the Operator in accordance with the EASA Air Operations Regulations Part
SPA.DG, except when carried in an ELA2 aircraft.
This includes dangerous goods which are underslung beneath a helicopter.
For the approval to be granted, dangerous goods operating procedures must be
established and all persons involved must complete an appropriate initial and recurrent
dangerous goods training, the training programme being subject to approval by the
authority.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.b, SPA.DG.100, SPA.DG.105, SPA.DG.110

NOTE: Operators of ELA2 aircrafts have to comply with the Technical Instructions (ICAO
Doc 9284), including its supplements and any other addenda or corrigenda.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.a

TRAINING AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PILOT

You mention dangerous goods training which is mandatory for personnel of SPA.DG
operations. Is it also mandatory for non-SPA.DG operations?
No, training is not mandatory but it may assist the pilot-in-command fulfil their
responsibilities for ensuring flight safety.
EASA Air Operations NCO.GEN.140, ORO.GEN.005; EASA Flight Crew Licensing AMC1 FCL.210, AMC1 FCL.215

What are the pilot-in-command’s responsibilities?

The pilot is responsible for the safety of all members, passengers, task specialists and
cargo on board.
The pilot-in-command must take all reasonable measures to prevent dangerous goods
from being carried on board inadvertently.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.c

Reasonable measures could be to ask questions about dangerous goods and make
reference to notices distributed by aviation authorities such as the following:

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 What if there is a dangerous goods incident?
The pilot-in-command shall, in accordance with the ICAO Technical Instructions, report
without delay to the competent authority and the appropriate authority of the State of
occurrence in the event of any dangerous goods accidents or incidents such an injury,
leak or spill during flight. The finding of undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods in
cargo or forbidden dangerous goods in passenger, task specialist or crew baggage must
be reported within 72 hours.
Report forms are provided within the websites of the NAAs.
EASA Air Operations, NCO.GEN.140.d,

WHERE CAN I FIND FURTHER INFORMATION?

Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 defines the various types of general aviation
operations including NCO and NCO SPEC, ELA2 aircraft etc. and includes the regulations
concerning dangerous goods. EASA publishes ‘Easy Access Rules for Air Operations’ at
www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/general-publications/easy-access-rules-air-operations

____________

This booklet addresses dangerous goods only in terms of safety. It does not take into
account security requirements (prevention of malicious acts) or customs and health rules,
which may introduce additional limitations or prohibitions.

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 Appendix 1: Consumer and dangerous goods labelling
1. Products bearing the following GHS labels ARE classified as dangerous goods:

NOTE: A product bearing the GHS corrosive label (depicted far right above) is NOT classified
as dangerous goods if the signal word ‘Danger’ and hazard statement ‘causes serious eye
damage’ applies.

2. Products bearing the following GHS labels (and none of the above) are NOT
classified as dangerous goods:

NOTE: Confirmation of classification or non-classification as dangerous goods may be found

with Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Section 14.

3. The following labels and marks are used for the transport of dangerous goods, so
their presence makes it likely that packages contain DANGEROUS GOODS

CLASS 1 – EXPLOSIVE

CLASS 2 – GASES

Flammable gas Non-flammable, non-toxic gas Toxic gas

(Division 2.1) (Division 2.2) (Division 2.3)

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 CLASS 3 – FLAMMABLE LIQUID

CLASS 4 – FLAMMABLE SOLIDS, SUBSTANCES LIABLE TO SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION; SUBSTANCES WHICH, IN

CONTACT WITH WATER, EMIT FLAMMABLE GASES

Flammable solid Substance liable to Substance which, in contact with

spontaneous combustion water, emits flammable gases
(Division 4.1) (Division 4.2) (Division 4.3)

CLASS 5 – OXIDISING SUBSTANCES AND ORGANIC PEROXIDES

Oxidising substance Organic peroxide

(Division 5.1) (Division 5.2)

CLASS 6 – TOXIC AND INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES

Toxic substance Infectious substance

(Division 6.1) (Division 6.2)

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 CLASS 7 – RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

Category I Category II Category III

CLASS 8 – CORROSIVE

CLASS 9 – MISCELLANEOUS

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 HANDLING

Magnetized material Cargo aircraft only Cryogenic liquid label Keep away from heat

Package orientation (MAY BE indication for DANGEROUS GOODS):

(red or black)

LITHIUM BATTERIES

EXCEPTED QUANTITIES

LIMITED QUANTITIES

Dangerous Goods in General Aviation page 11/16

 ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

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 Appendix 2: Extract from Table 8-1 of the ICAO Technical Instructions
Location

agreement of the pilot

operator(s) or Explicit
Approval of the

is required, as
applicable
Baggage NOT

during flight

during flight
accessible

accessible
Baggage
Dangerous Goods Restrictions

Batteries

1) Lithium batteries Yes Yes (see c) and d)) a) each battery must be of a type which meets the
(including portable (except for requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests
electronic devices) g) and h)) and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3;
b) each battery must not exceed the following:
— for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2
grams; or
— for lithium ion batteries, a Watt-hour rating of 100
Wh;
c) each battery may exceed 100 Wh but not exceed 160
Wh Watt-hour rating for lithium ion with the approval
of the operator or explicit agreement of the pilot;
d) each battery may exceed 2 grams but not exceed 8
grams lithium content for lithium metal for portable
medical electronic devices with the approval of the
operator or explicit agreement of the pilot;
e) batteries contained in portable electronic devices
should be carried in baggage accessible during flight;
if not:
— measures must be taken to prevent unintentional
activation and to protect the devices from
damage; and
— the devices must be completely switched off (not
in sleep or hibernation mode);
f) batteries and heating elements must be isolated in
portable electronic devices capable of generating
extreme heat, which could cause a fire if activated, by
removal of the heating element, battery or other
components;
g) spare batteries, including power banks:
— must be carried in baggage accessible during
flight; and
— must be individually protected so as to prevent
short circuits (by placement in original retail
packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals,
e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing
each battery in a separate plastic bag or
protective pouch);
h) baggage equipped with a lithium battery(ies)
exceeding:
— for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 0.3
grams; or
— for lithium ion batteries, a Watt-hour rating of 2.7
Wh
must be accessible during flight unless the
battery(ies) is removed from the baggage, in which
case the battery(ies) must be carried in accordance
with g);
i) no more than two spare batteries meeting the
requirements of c) or d) may be carried per person.

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 Location

agreement of the pilot

operator(s) or Explicit
Approval of the

is required, as
applicable
Baggage NOT

during flight

during flight
accessible

accessible
Baggage
Dangerous Goods Restrictions

3) Battery-powered No Yes No a) if powered by lithium batteries, each battery must

portable electronic comply with the following restrictions
smoking devices
(e.g. e-cigarettes, e- i) each battery must be of a type which meets the
cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, requirements of each test in the UN Manual of
personal vaporizers, Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3;
electronic nicotine ii) each battery must not exceed the following:
delivery systems)
— for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content
of 2 grams; or
— for lithium ion batteries, a Watt-hour rating of
100 Wh;

iii) spare batteries, including power banks:

— must be carried in baggage accessible
during flight; and

— must be individually protected so as to

prevent short circuits (by placement in
original retail packaging or by otherwise
insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over
exposed terminals or placing each battery
in a separate plastic bag or protective
pouch);

b) the devices and/or batteries must not be recharged on

board the aircraft; and
c) measures must be taken to prevent unintentional
activation of the heating element while on board the
aircraft.

Dangerous Goods in General Aviation page 14/16

 Location

agreement of the pilot

operator(s) or Explicit
Approval of the

is required, as
applicable
Baggage NOT

during flight

during flight
accessible

accessible
Baggage
Dangerous Goods Restrictions

Flames and fuel sources

5) Cigarette lighter No (see b)) No a) no more than one per person;

b) must be carried on the person;
Small packet of safety c) must not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than
matches liquefied gas); and
d) if a cigarette lighter is powered by lithium batteries,
each battery must comply with restrictions of 1) a), b)
and g) and 3) b) and c).

6) Alcoholic beverages Yes Yes No a) must be in retail packagings; and

containing more than
24 per cent but not b) no more than 5 L total net quantity per person.
more than 70 per cent Note.— Alcoholic beverages containing not more than 24
alcohol by volume per cent alcohol by volume are not subject to any
restrictions. Those containing more than 70 per cent
alcohol by volume are forbidden.

Gases in cylinders and cartridges

9) Cylinders of oxygen or Yes Yes Yes a) no more than 5 kg gross mass per cylinder;
air required for medical
use b) cylinders, valves and regulators, where fitted, must be
protected from damage which could cause
inadvertent release of the contents;
c) advance arrangements recommended; and
d) the pilot-in-command must be informed of the number
of oxygen or air cylinders loaded on board the aircraft
and their loading location(s).

12) Cartridges of Non- Yes Yes Yes a) no more than two personal safety devices per person;
flammable and non-
toxic gas only with no b) the personal safety device(s) must be packed in such
subsidiary hazard fitted a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated;
into a self-inflating c) must be for inflation purposes;
personal safety device
such as a life-jacket or d) no more than two cartridges are fitted into each
vest device; and
e) no more than two spare cartridges per device.

13) Cartridges of Non- Yes Yes Yes a) no more than four cartridges per person; and
flammable and non-
toxic gas only with no b) the water capacity of each cartridge must not exceed
subsidiary hazard for 50 mL.
other than a self- Note.— For carbon dioxide, a gas cartridge with a water
inflating personal safety capacity of 50 mL is equivalent to a 28 g cartridge.
device

14) Cartridges and Yes Yes Yes a) no more than one avalanche rescue backpack per
cylinders of non- person;
flammable and non-
toxic gas only with no b) the backpack must be packed in such a manner that it
subsidiary hazard cannot be accidentally activated;
contained in an c) may contain a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism which
avalanche rescue must not contain more than 200 mg net of Division
backpack 1.4S; and
d) the airbags within the backpack must be fitted with
pressure relief valves.

Dangerous Goods in General Aviation page 15/16

 Location

agreement of the pilot

operator(s) or Explicit
Approval of the

is required, as
applicable
Baggage NOT

during flight

during flight
accessible

accessible
Baggage
Dangerous Goods Restrictions

Other
dangerous
goods

17) Non-radioactive Yes Yes No a) no more than 0.5 kg or 0.5 L total net quantity per
medicinal articles single article;
(including aerosols),
toiletry articles b) no more than 2 kg or 2 L total net quantity of all
(including aerosols) and articles (e.g. four aerosol cans of 0.5 L each) per
other Non-flammable person;
and non-toxic aerosols c) release valves on aerosols must be protected by a
with no subsidiary cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent
hazard release of the contents; and
d) the release of gas must not cause extreme
annoyance or discomfort to pilots so as to prevent the
correct performance of assigned duties.

19) Cartridges in Yes No Yes a) no more than 5 kg gross mass per person;
Division 1.4S
(UN 0012 or UN 0014 b) must be securely packaged;
only) c) must not include ammunition with explosive or
(these cartridges incendiary projectiles; and
correspond to “normal” d) allowances for more than one person must not be
sporting and hunting combined into one or more packages.
ammunition)

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