Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.27 (General requirements for transportation by aircraft) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here are the practical requirements for packages transported by aircraft under 49 CFR 173.27:
* Performance Level: If a package contains a Packing Group III material with a primary or subsidiary risk of Division 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, or Class 8, it must meet the Packing Group II performance level when offered for air transport (unless exempt from performance packaging requirements in subpart E).
* Aircraft Authorization & Quantity Limits: You must check Columns 9a and 9b of the § 172.101 table. If a material is marked "Forbidden," it cannot be transported on passenger or cargo aircraft, respectively. Do not exceed the maximum quantity limits per package listed in those columns. Packages allowed only on cargo aircraft must display the "CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY" label and never go on passenger-carrying aircraft.
* Pressure Requirements: Packagings must prevent altitude- and temperature-induced leaks. For liquids, they generally must withstand specific internal gauge pressures (e.g., 11 psig for PG III Class 3 or Division 6.1, or 14 psig for other liquids) or specific vapor-pressure calculations, unless using a compliant inner packaging inside a pressure-resistant supplementary packaging.
* Closures: Bodies and closures must resist air transport temperature and vibration. Inner packaging liquid closures must use a secure secondary means (such as adhesive tape, locking wires, or induction heat seals). If a secondary means is impractical for Packing Group II or III, place the securely closed inner packaging inside a leakproof liner or bag before putting it in the outer package. Packing Group I liquids must have a secondary means of closure and appropriate absorbent material.
* Absorbent Materials: Packing Group I liquids of Classes 3, 4, 8, or Divisions 5.1 and 6.1 in glass, earthenware, plastic, or metal inner packagings must use non-reactive absorbent material inside a rigid, leakproof receptacle or intermediate packaging to absorb the entire contents.
* Combination Packagings & Quantities: Inner packagings must follow specific quantity limits for passenger and cargo aircraft, and limited quantities must meet Table 3 limits and specific marking/labeling rules.