Hazardous materials training: General

This regulation requires Part 121 air carriers to create and maintain an FAA-approved hazardous materials training program. The program must meet the standards in Appendix O and ensure that anyone performing or supervising hazmat-related job functions (as defined in §121.1001(a)) understands the applicable Department of Transportation hazmat regulations (49 CFR parts 171-180).

The training must teach people to recognize items that contain or might contain hazardous materials so they can handle them properly. Both initial and recurrent training are required for crewmembers and anyone involved in these job functions.

In practice, this means airlines must get FAA approval before implementing their hazmat training program and keep all relevant personnel current on training. This helps prevent dangerous materials from being improperly loaded, handled, or transported on passenger flights, protecting both the aircraft and everyone aboard.

*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.*