Dangerous Goods (DG)

Supporting the safe air transport of dangerous goods

about dg

The safe transport of dangerous goods (DG) by air is governed by a globally harmonized framework established by ICAO Annex 18, Doc 9284, the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and Doc 9481, the Emergency Response Guide for aircraft incidents involving DG. These documents define comprehensive requirements for the classification, packaging, marking, labelling, and handling of hazardous materials. IFALPA contributes operational pilot expertise to support the consistent application and continuous improvement of these international standards.

While these provisions form a robust safety framework, their effectiveness relies on a shared understanding across the aviation system. For pilots, awareness of the regulatory structure is essential not only for compliance, but also as a key element of operational risk management and situational awareness. Dangerous goods, even when transported in accordance with international Standards, present inherent risks, and the system remains vulnerable to issues such as undeclared or misdeclared items.

A high-level understanding of the framework enables pilots to better interpret operational information, anticipate potential hazards, and apply established mitigation measures, including proper stowage, communication, and adherence to procedures. In an international environment, consistent application of these standards provides a critical safety baseline, while informed pilot awareness strengthens system resilience and supports effective decision-making.

Lithium Batteries

The transport of lithium batteries remains a critical safety concern due to their potential for thermal runaway, requiring heightened awareness of associated fire risks and mitigation measures.
Learn more

Undeclared DG

Undeclared dangerous goods continue to pose a significant threat to aviation safety, as they bypass established controls and reduce the effectiveness of the regulatory framework.
Learn more

Screening of DG

Effective dangerous goods screening is essential to detect non-compliant or hidden hazardous materials and ensure that only properly prepared shipments enter the air transport system.
Learn more

eNOTOC

The implementation of electronic NOTOC enhances the accuracy, accessibility, and timeliness of critical dangerous goods information provided to flight crews.
Learn more

Lithium Battery Risks and Operational Awareness

The transport of lithium batteries is a key aviation safety concern due to the inherent risk of thermal runaway, which can generate rapidly developing fires, intense heat, and significant smoke in the aircraft. Widely present in cargo shipments, as well as in passenger’s hold and cabin baggage, they represent a prevalent and evolving hazard. Although regulatory measures on packaging, quantities, and handling are designed to mitigate that risk, it can never be completely eliminated, particularly where undeclared or non-compliant shipments of such batteries are involved.

For pilots, keeping awareness of these risks is essential, as lithium battery-related incidents largely differ from other onboard occurrences and require timely recognition and appropriate response. Guidance such as ICAO Doc 9481, the Emergency Response Guidance for Aircraft Incidents Involving Dangerous Goods, supports preparedness and effective coordination. IFALPA contributes operational expertise to strengthen these international Standards and Recommended Practices, reinforcing the essential role of the pilot in maintaining onboard safety.

Latest Publications

Meet the Team

Capt. Timo Lempiäinen

DG Committee Chairperson

Capt. Lempiäinen flies A330s for Finnair, based in Helsinki. He chairs the Safety and Security Committee of the Finnish Pilots Association. He currently represents IFALPA on IATA’s Dangerous Goods Board (DGB), on the Postal Security Group (PSG) of the Universal Postal Union, and on the Transport Safety Standards Committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Capt. Dave Schlichting

DG Committee Vice-Chair

Capt. Schlichting flies B777s for FedEx, based in Memphis. He started his flying career in the US Marine Corps, flying the AV-8B Harrier, and subsequently joined FedEx, flying MD-11s out of Anchorage, and B757s/767s out of Indianapolis. In 2024, he was appointed as IFALPA’s Member of the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP). He also represents the Federation at the ICAO DGP WG on Annex 18, the ICAO DGP WG on RPAS, ICAO’s multi-panel Electronic Documents and Certificates and IATA’s Dangerous Goods Board (DGB), and has been leading a stakeholder WG on the electronic NOTOC. Within his home Association, he chairs the DG Committee for FedEx ALPA and is the DG Program Manager for ALPA, International.

Capt. André de Jong

DG Committee Vice-Chair

Captain de Jong joined Martinair in 1994 as Performance Engineer, and went on flying as Flight Engineer for 7 years on the B747 Classic. He then continued his career as pilot on the A320 and subsequently on the B744 which he’s been flying for almost 20 years, now holding the positions of Type Rating Instructor and post-maintenance check flight pilot. In parallel, since 2023, he’s been working on the introduction of the A350-1000F in Martinair/KLM cargo’s fleet. As Dangerous Goods / Performance specialist of his home Pilots Association VNV, he joined IFALPA’s DG Committee in 2017 and was elected Vice-Chair in 2024. He’s also a member of the VNV’s Accident Investigation Group, and an IFALPA-Accredited Accident Investigator.

Capt. Stacey Jackson

Executive Vice-President Technical & Safety Standards (EVP TSS)

Captain Jackson flies B737s NG/MAX for WestJet, based in Toronto, Canada. She is an IFALPA-Accredited Accident Investigator, an Accident Investigation course Instructor and a member of the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) for ALPA International. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Accident Investigation and Response Committee for the WestJet ALPA MEC. She is a Subject Matter Expert in Human Factors and is completing a PhD in Aerospace with a focus in emergency egress and cabin safety centered design.

Capt. Arnaud du Bédat

Senior Technical Officer