FAA issues guidance for passenger cabins carrying freight

The FAA has issued a safety alert for non-freighter airlines carrying cargo, following requests from US carriers. Yesterday it issued guidelines for airlines on stowing cargo on seats, stowage bins and on the floor, if seats are removed.

There has been some concern, possibly competition-related, from freighter operators about whether the rules on carrying cargo on passenger aircraft are as thorough as they are for freighters. But the new US safety alert includes information on weight, balance, fire suppression and dangerous goods – which much of the medical equipment currently flying, is. Dangerous goods cannot be carried on the upper deck of passenger aircraft. The FAA also recommends at least one crew member travelling in the cabin so as to be on hand if fire breaks out. Freightwaves reports.