Meaning
Prominent warning labels distinguish packages that are prohibited from transport on passenger-carrying flights. The cargo aircraft only marking identifies lithium batteries or other hazardous goods that exceed the weight or configuration limits allowed for mixed-traffic aviation. This safety protocol ensures that high-risk materials are only handled by crews specifically equipped for industrial freight.
Visual Specification
International regulations mandate that the label uses a high-contrast color scheme of black on an orange background. Each cargo aircraft only marking must have a minimum dimension of 120 millimeters by 110 millimeters to ensure visibility during the loading process. The square shape and bold typeface are standard across all global jurisdictions to allow for universal recognition.
Text must be legible and the adhesive must resist the humidity and temperature changes found in a flight hold. Placing the label near the shipping name and hazard class avoids confusion during inspection.
Airframe Restriction
Flight dispatchers use the presence of the label to determine the loading plan for a specific aircraft. While a passenger plane has strict limitations on the total energy capacity of the batteries it carries, an industrial freighter can accommodate the cargo aircraft only marking on larger shipments. This separation reduces the risk to the traveling public.
Specific fire suppression systems on dedicated freight aircraft are designed to manage the heat of an energetic chemical event.
Handling Protocol
Ground crews must verify that the label is intact and correct before a package enters the aviation supply chain. Any shipment bearing the cargo aircraft only marking that is found on a passenger manifest results in an immediate rejection and a safety report. Carriers often perform secondary audits of the paperwork to confirm that the net quantity of the cells is within the legal range.
Proper documentation prevents the misrouting of dangerous goods.
