Regulation Text
(a) No pilot in command may permit cargo to be carried in any airplane unless—
(1) It is carried in an approved cargo rack, bin, or compartment installed in the airplane;
(2) It is secured by means approved by the Administrator; or
(3) It is carried in accordance with each of the following:
(i) It is properly secured by a safety belt or other tiedown having enough strength to eliminate the possibility of shifting under all normally anticipated flight and ground conditions.
(ii) It is packaged or covered to avoid possible injury to passengers.
(iii) It does not impose any load on seats or on the floor structure that exceeds the load limitation for those components.
(iv) It is not located in a position that restricts the access to or use of any required emergency or regular exit, or the use of the aisle between the crew and the passenger compartment.
(v) It is not carried directly above seated passengers.
(b) When cargo is carried in cargo compartments that are designed to require the physical entry of a crewmember to extinguish any fire that may occur during flight, the cargo must be loaded so as to allow a crewmember to effectively reach all parts of the compartment with the contents of a hand fire extinguisher.
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.525) A pilot in command may not permit cargo aboard an airplane unless it is in an approved rack, bin, or compartment; secured by an Administrator-approved means; or properly tied down so it cannot shift, is packaged to avoid injury, stays within load limits, never blocks exits or the aisle, and is not carried directly above seated passengers.
Research Notes
Common Questions
How may cargo be carried under § 91.525?
In an approved cargo rack, bin, or compartment; secured by an Administrator-approved means; or per the detailed tiedown and placement conditions in paragraph (a)(3).
“No pilot in command may permit cargo to be carried in any airplane unless—(1) It is carried in an approved cargo rack, bin, or compartment installed in the airplane; (2) It is secured by means approved by the Administrator; or (3) It is carried in accordance with each of the following…” — 14 CFR § 91.525(a)
Can cargo be placed above seated passengers or block an exit?
No. Cargo must not restrict access to required or regular exits or the aisle, and must not be carried directly above seated passengers.
“(iv) It is not located in a position that restricts the access to or use of any required emergency or regular exit, or the use of the aisle… (v) It is not carried directly above seated passengers.” — 14 CFR § 91.525(a)(3)
What about cargo in fire-fighting-access compartments?
Where a crewmember must physically enter the compartment to fight a fire, cargo must be loaded so a crewmember can reach all parts of it with a hand fire extinguisher.
“…the cargo must be loaded so as to allow a crewmember to effectively reach all parts of the compartment with the contents of a hand fire extinguisher.” — 14 CFR § 91.525(b)
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AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.