Aviation News

Fines For Passengers Carrying Fireworks

WASHINGTON, DC — With the July 4 holiday approaching, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reminding the traveling public that they are not permitted to carry fireworks, including the smallest sparklers, aboard aircraft. This includes both carry-on and checked bags because of the tremendous fire risk they pose to aircraft in the air and on the ground. Fines for passengers who break the rules are stiff.

"Fireworks fly in the face of safety," said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. "Passengers who think they can sneak fireworks aboard should think twice about acting, because there will be consequences."

Friction can cause fireworks to ignite during flight, posing a safety risk to passengers and crew. Because of this danger, domestic and international regulations prohibit passengers from carrying fireworks and firework novelty items in their checked or carry-on baggage, or on their persons.

Violations of the hazardous-materials regulations can be extremely expensive. Civil penalties range up to $32,500 per violation with a minimum fine of $275, and to criminal prosecutions of up to five years in prison with fines of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.

The Transportation Security Administration's increased security screening of cargo, carry-on and checked bags is uncovering many undeclared hazardous materials that likely would not have been discovered otherwise.

Are you seeking legal information regarding Minnesota aviation laws? If so, contact our expert Minnesota aviation attorneys today!

	Did You Know?
	Commercial pilots must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 250 hours of flight time 190 hours under Part 141, including 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 hours in airplanes, 100 hours as pilot in command (of which 50 hours must be cross-country flight time). They must hold an instrument rating (or be restricted to flying for hire only in daylight, under visual flight rules, within 50 miles of the originating airport). They may fly for hire in accordance with applicable parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations.