Search

No Hazmat Allowed on Drones, Says FAA

Posted on 6/28/2016 by Roger Marks

When we talk about shipping hazardous materials by ground, air, and vessel, we typically look to Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). Today, a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Final Rule added to 14 CFR piqued our interest.

The Final Rule lays out requirements for the safe operation of “small unmanned aircraft systems,” or UAS, commonly called “drones.” In addition to operational limitations, like a weight limit of 55 lbs. for drones, distance restrictions, and more, the Final Rule answers a question that Lion instructors, researchers, and staff have been talking about for a while now: Can drones transport hazmat?
Drone or UAS carrying cargo
For now, the answer is no. Among the operational limitations listed in FAA’s June 28 Final Rule is the unequivocal bullet point: “No carriage of hazardous materials.” 

Curious about drones? See the full list of rules for 14 CFR Part 107 in today’s Federal Register.
So, if you see a drone fly over your house in the near future, rest assured that—at least for now—it should not be hauling hazmat.

IATA Training for Hazmat Air Shippers


If you need to ship hazmat by air, it seems a traditional airplane is still your best bet! Be confident you know the latest IATA DGR rules for hazmat air shipments at the Hazardous Materials Air Shipper Certification Workshop. Covering the latest IATA requirements (57th edition), this workshop will help you build on your 49 CFR knowledge to master the unique, additional rules for hazmat air shipments.

The IATA DGR requires air shippers to complete training once every 24 months (IATA DGR 1.5). Can’t make the workshop? Check out all of your IATA air shipper options—like a 24/7 online course and a live, instructor-led webinar—here.

Tags: hazmat, new rules, shipping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.