Hazardous materials training: General

Part 135 operators must create and maintain an FAA-approved hazardous materials training program. This program must meet the standards in Part 121's Appendix O and ensure that anyone handling or supervising hazmat-related duties understands the Department of Transportation's hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR parts 171-180).

The training must teach employees to recognize items that contain or might contain hazardous materials. Both initial and recurrent training are required for crewmembers and anyone performing or supervising the job functions listed in §135.501(a), which covers roles like accepting, handling, loading, or carrying hazardous materials.

Critically, the FAA must approve your training program before you can use it. This ensures Part 135 operators have consistent, adequate procedures for safely handling hazmat shipments, protecting both the aircraft and everyone aboard from the risks these materials pose during flight operations.

*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.*