FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

Are spare lithium batteries allowed to be carried as cargo on a small UAS?

1. Yes, if properly secured

2. No, they are considered hazardous material

3. Only if they are under 100 watts

4. Yes, but only if they are charged

The correct answer is: No, they are considered hazardous material

Spare lithium batteries are classified as hazardous material due to their potential fire risk and the strict regulations that govern their transport. While they can be transported under certain conditions, the general rule when carrying them as cargo on a small UAS is that they are not permitted in many situations, primarily to mitigate risks associated with lithium battery fires and possible explosions. Additionally, organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have specific guidelines around the storage, transportation, and handling of lithium batteries, marking them as hazardous because of their chemistry and failure modes. Thus, the governing policy reflects the need for strict precautions when dealing with these batteries, which supports the reasoning behind the classification as hazardous material. On the other hand, while options might discuss conditions under which lithium batteries can be transported, they do not align with the current regulatory framework that generally restricts this practice when considering spare batteries.