Carriage of hazardous material

This regulation prohibits small unmanned aircraft operating under Part 107 from carrying hazardous materials. The definition of "hazardous material" comes from Department of Transportation regulations (49 CFR 171.8), which includes a wide range of substances like explosives, flammable liquids and gases, toxic materials, corrosive substances, radioactive materials, and other dangerous goods.

In practical terms, this means drone operators cannot transport items like:

• Gasoline, propane, or other fuels
• Batteries classified as hazardous (beyond those powering the drone itself)
• Chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers meeting hazmat criteria
• Compressed gases
• Explosives or fireworks

This is a blanket prohibition with no exceptions under Part 107. If your operation requires transporting hazardous materials by drone, it would need different authorization outside the Part 107 framework. The rule exists primarily for public safety, preventing the aerial transport of dangerous substances that could pose risks if released or if the aircraft crashes.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*