QUICK REFERENCE CHECKLIST - FIREARMS HANDLING

Verify before boarding

• DO approval confirmed Flight Release should have leg notes from the Director of Operations or designee. If no leg notes exist, speak to the DO or the person exercising Operational Control before proceeding. If the passenger declared in advance, the leg notes give the declaration number (FAD-00000): open it with the firearms declaration. GOM §8.6.A and §8.6.E.1.
• Passenger ID verified Identification with a clear, full-face photograph and signature. No exceptions. Inspect personal identification and official credentials of the person making the declaration, and record it on the firearms declaration. GOM §8.6.D and §8.6.E.2.
• Loaded weapon authority confirmed Officials or employees of a municipality, a State, or the United States who are authorized by their agency to carry arms, crewmembers, and other persons authorized by the Company may carry a loaded weapon. Security personnel and others with a legitimate need to be armed during the flight may carry a loaded weapon only if approved by the Director of Operations. GOM §8.6.B and §8.6.C.
• Firearm manifested on Flight Release Weapons transported as cargo must be specifically manifested. GOM §8.6.F.
• Stowage: external baggage area or Company trigger lock All firearms are carried in an external baggage area inaccessible to the passenger compartment, or a trigger lock provided by the Company is placed on the weapon. A weapon transported as cargo (for example, a hunting trip) is carried in the baggage compartment. GOM §8.6.G and §8.6.F.
• If a trigger lock is used: Company lock, placed by the customer A customer-provided trigger lock or lockable gun case is NOT acceptable. The trigger lock must be provided by the Company and the key retained by the PIC. GOM §8.6.G and the Note under §8.6.H.
• If a trigger lock is used: PIC verifies lock and retains key PIC verifies the security of the lock and retains the key until the flight is complete and the aircraft is completely unloaded. GOM §8.6.H.
• No handling of the weapon by Company personnel Handling of a weapon by a Company employee is strictly forbidden. The customer places the trigger lock. GOM §8.6.I.
• Alcohol restriction briefed No person who has a weapon accessible to them during the flight may be served alcoholic beverages. GOM §8.6.L.
• Lock removal briefed to the passenger Removal of the lock must be performed by the passenger away from the aircraft, off the flight line, and out of view of the public. GOM §8.6.J.
• Trigger lock and key recovered The trigger lock and key remain Company property. The PIC recovers them after the lock is removed. Any lock or key not recovered is reported to the Chief Pilot. GOM §8.6.K.

If passenger discloses firearm without prior notification

1. 1
   Delay boarding

   Advise the passenger that Director of Operations approval is required before a firearm may be carried aboard (GOM §8.6.A). Do not allow boarding while unresolved.
2. 2
   Contact the DO

   Where no Flight Release leg notes exist, the pilot speaks to the Director of Operations or the person exercising Operational Control regarding carriage of the firearm (GOM §8.6.E.1). Provide passenger name, firearm description, flight details, and destination.
3. 3
   Await DO decision

   Approved Proceed with the pre-planned checklist and complete the firearms declaration with the passenger. Flight Release leg notes updated before departure.

   Not approved Firearm may not be carried. Advise the passenger that carriage cannot be approved for this flight. Charter agreement terms may apply.
4. 4
   Document and report

   Submit a safety report through FOS regardless of outcome, so the event is captured for trend analysis.