Carrying Jerry cans of fuel in plane

[CoopAir]

I'll be flying to the Bahamas this summer and since I'll be renting small boats there to explore, I'll be carrying extra jerry cans of fuel to use on the boat being that most of the deserted islands are beyond range of the boat on its standard tanks.

Is it safe to transport the jerry cans in the plane (C-172) to use on my next island stop after they have had fuel in them as long as I have filled them to the top with freshwater for 6 hours or more as well as thoroughly wash and rinse the outside of the cans as well.


Thanks

[PilotDAR]

I would be very surprised if anyone would say that is safe to carry jerry cans filled with gasoline in the cabin of a 172.

For you to make your own decision, I will remind you that everything in that cabin, when properly restrained, will remain in place with a crash force of 9G (could be higher for later 172's). Are you confident that a jerry can will continue to contain it's gasoline if that gasoline is subjected to a 9G crash load? (personally, my opinion would be no way!). If the jerry can fails to contain the gasoline during your 9G crash, it is a certainty that you'll be wearing it - another situation which I would not risk at all for myself, or my passengers.

As the pilot, you are responsible for safe transport of what you accept aboard. I have been ramp checked for safer loads than gasoline....

[Colonel Sanders]

As PD points out, you must ensure that the
load is securely tied down, so that it cannot
move in flight.

The other concern is venting volatile fumes
inside the cabin, which can have very bad
results.

From a safety standpoint, if you can guarantee
both of the above, you're probably ok.

However, keep in mind that if you crash,
you will surely be doused in many gallons
of gasoline, making a really spectacular
greasy orange fireball.

I might suggest you pack some potatoes
and vegetables around you. Some salt
and pepper and spices would be a nice touch.

[CoopAir]

Maybe I wasn't clear when I stated it, but what I asked in my post was:

If I fill the jerry cans all the way with freshwater and let them soak for 6 hrs, as well as wash the outside of the cans after use, is it safe to THEN transport them in the plane.

I am NOT going to be transporting them full of gas!! Just want to be clear about that.

[fish4life]

Full of water no problem I bring jerry cans with gas in them often going out to the cabin. Personally I'd have more faith in a jerry can holding together than a 45 gallon drum.

[crazy_aviator]

I personally would not have a problem with water washed empty jerries on a flt

[cgzro]

Empty and previously water flushed should be fine as long as they are well secured. I sure would not waste the gas bringing them full of water!

[photofly]

If I fill the jerry cans all the way with freshwater and let them soak for 6 hrs, as well as wash the outside of the cans after use, is it safe to THEN transport them in the plane.

Don't bother washing them in water; gasoline doesn't mix with water, and you'll have a devil of a time getting them dry again next time you want to use them for fuel.

There's no point soaking them either - there's nothing that will dissolve slowly. If it was clean gasoline, just empty them and leave them open for a day and they'll be dry. If they're greasy on the outside, wipe them down with varsol.

I'll be carrying extra jerry cans of fuel

You did rather imply you wanted to fly with them full of fuel...

[Duffman]

Yeah, let them dry, then toss them under your cargo net. Not an issue at all.

[Panama Jack]

OK, here is a dumb question (because I am not sure).

Do Dangerous Goods Regulations apply to all modes of air transport (including private), or only commercial aviation?

[trey kule]

In the days before even our wristwatches and socks were considered dangerous goods, i carried literally thousands of them over the years. Well, or at least 2 or 3.

You are really overthinking it. Seal them up and put them in a black garbage bag before you put them in the plane. No mess,
. No residual fumes.

The only issue you might have is at customs. Planes flying around with extra tankage in that part of the world are viewed with suspicion, but I assume you are only talking about one or two. And for the life of me I cannot see why you are hauling them all that way.

[Colonel Sanders]

If you're going to carry plastic cans of fuel,
don't do it at high altitude. If you do, try to
have as little air in the tanks as possible,
because it's going to expand and either distend
the tank, or vent.

- make sure it is securely fastened
- make sure it doesn't vent to the cockpit

What do you think this is, in the front seat?



9500 over the Gulf of Mexico, Cozumel
direct Key West. Cold front approaching
from the east, bubbling up the clouds.

[photofly]

Or you could just squeeze some air out before you put the lid on.

[Colonel Sanders]

I will refrain from asking the experts here how
they weld gas tanks. I do it either full or empty,
but empty is never really empty - you still have
fumes it in. I prefer to weld gas tanks full.

[MrWings]

I am NOT going to be transporting them full of gas!! Just want to be clear about that.

Then your title is wrong.

[trey kule]

We are talking about those plastic tanks you get at Canadian tire..right?
I dont think that a 172 is going to be taking them to any altitude that will cause a problem, but if one is concerned, as they are empty, just leave the top on loose. If they are sealed in a black garbage bag there will be not be any problems and no need to vent overboard . Just make sure the bags are sealed well.

[Pop n Fresh]

If it's only a few of them empty. Would brand new never used ones be an option? Leave the vent cap off completely and the argument about how harmful the "new plastic smell" is to a human can begin.

I am sure Trey successfully transported them in garbage bags. Is there any extra static electrical hazard possible using that method? Letting them vent for a few days should fully remove the residue, I'm just being extra paranoid. It's a bit of a hobby.

Edit: I'm never finished writing a post, probably an illness.

If you leave them opened for a day or two you could probably light matches, touch them with the flame and they would not ignite. Gasoline/petrol/Av Gas is so volatile it disappears pretty fast. I would still would be over cautious to the point of acting silly.

[ozone]

I wouldn't worry too much. I haul hundreds of full jerry cans and empty jerry cans every float season in Cessna's and Beavers. The operator I flew with last summer has hauled thousands of jerry cans full of gasoline for 30+ years without an issue.

[1000 HP]

Yeah me too. I used to move about 60 at a time in the Otter for one Manitoba camp operator. He was getting old and didn't like the 45g drums anymore. Once he pulled up to the dock with 18 cans in his Cessna 180 on floats and was smoking a "Captain Black".
The cans without the vent cap leak almost not at all. They are also a bitch to pour

[Meddler]

FUEL? In a plane? Completely unsafe!!!! Who would even suggest such a thing! Next you know people will be talking about flying around with jerry cans in a floatplane and ACTUALLY pouring it into the TANKS to get home. Terrifying.

[GyvAir]

As previously pointed out, rinsing with water alone isn't going to do much although it should theoreticall force all the gasoline to the top and out. If you're concerned about fumes and you want to expedite cleaning them a bit, position them with the opening down to let them drip dry a bit. Then pour an ounce or two of 99% IPA from the drugstore in each and slosh around well. Pour that out and dispose of resposibly. Finish with a rinse with a bit of water to get rid of the alcohol and you're done. Of course, make sure you allow the water to dry completely before refilling them... you don't want to wreck your boat trip over this! You can use a bit of IPA to deal with any residual water too before refilling.
Personally though, I'd just let them drip dry, and then as photofly suggested, just kneel on them to squeeze out some air before you tighten the caps to allow for expansion at altitude. Then clean up the outside or seal them in bags as also mentioned above.

[digits_]

Funny, my first topic ever I believe, was exactly that question: http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopi ... 25&t=71443

Might be worth the read.

Summary:
1) It "shouldn't" be a problem. Remember to vent the tanks when you expect high altitude changes
2) Have something electric wire like to ground them to the airplane before use
3) Try to avoid static electricity build up: don't put a blanket over them in turbulence on a -35 degree day

And if you put water in them, why would it be a problem ? Try to put a dirty jerry can filled with water on fire safely on the ground, that will probably put your mind at ease.

*disclaimer: you take the final decision of course

[Panama Jack]

Anyone care to take a stab at my question?

Do Dangerous Goods Regulations apply to all modes of air transport (including private), or only commercial aviation?

[GyvAir]

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that yes, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations apply to private aircraft as well as commercial, just like TDGRs apply whether it’s a commercial vehicle or your hatchback when it comes to transporting a container of gasoline. Some people get bent out of shape when you try to fill up an empty milk jug at the gas pumps and hold it between your knees on the way home. Or say, if you carry around your Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus samples around in a thermos. (Try working that one into dinnertime conversation!)

Reference: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/clear-part12-466.htm

Excerpts:

12.1 General Requirements
(1) A person who handles, offers for transport or transports dangerous goods by aircraft between Canada and another country must do so in accordance with the ICAO Technical Instructions and the following provisions of these Regulations:
(2) A person who handles, offers for transport or transports dangerous goods by aircraft within Canada must do so in accordance with the ICAO Technical Instructions and the provisions of these Regulations referred to in subsection (1).
(3) Despite subsection (2), a person may handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods by aircraft within Canada in accordance with the requirements of sections 12.4 to 12.17.

12.10 Private Aircraft
A person may handle or transport dangerous goods within Canada by small aircraft or helicopter registered as private aircraft under sections 202.16 and 202.17 of the “Canadian Aviation Regulations” if the dangerous goods
(a) are intended for non-commercial recreational use; and
(b) are not forbidden for transport by Schedule 1 or Schedule 3 to these Regulations or by the ICAO Technical Instructions.

[LousyFisherman]

Anyone care to take a stab at my question?

Do Dangerous Goods Regulations apply to all modes of air transport (including private), or only commercial aviation?

GyvAir is correct. TDG regs do apply and they specifically mention that CSA certified jerry cans are acceptable for non-commercial/private transport of fuel. Otherwise you could not use them in a car to take gas home for your lawnmower.

LF