Transporting Air Tank on private jet

There are many things about flying that are not based upon sound logic or data and I think the rule for commercial aircraft about depressurizing airguns is an example. The added stress from lower ambient pressure is nearly neglible. Fill to 1 bar less and there is no added stress. I think airguns are required to be empty because powder burners in your checked luggage must be unloaded and transported separately from their ammunition. I hope it is not due to some misconception about the altitude meaningfully increasing stress.

If you think airline regulations make sense think about the one prohibiting knives. Even those with less than 2 inch blades. Last time they thought about getting rid of this rule the cabin attendants complained and said they would protect us. I'd rather trust my safety to a small knife in my hand than an unarmed middle age female. The only plane that did not hit it's target on 9/11 was stopped by the passengers, not the crew.

I used to carry scuba cylinders in my own aircraft many times. I was PIC, my decision. I emptied the tanks and secured them so as not to move about or shift CG or whack me in the head.

I have carried what is called a pony bottle via airline many times. I drain the air, remove the valve for inspection and post a copy of the TSA regulations on the tank. Never had a problem. But, there is always a first time.

airprsr said:

I’m trying hard to stay panicked, but somebody enlighten me, what is so terribly dangerous about flying with an air tank? If I understand correctly the concern is that air pressures decrease at altitude and thus may overstress the tank because of greater pressure differential.

However at sea level the air pressure is around 14.7 pounds and at 10,000 ft that only reduces to around 10.7 pounds. Aircraft will keep the cabin pressure to around 8 to 9 thousand feet. Not that drastic a difference. I don’t know if the baggage compartment is pressurized but its a private plane just bring it with you in the cabin.

I can see where it would be unwise to have a tank at max pressure but with a reduced pressure, say 3000 pounds in a 45000 pound tank is there any real ACTUAL FACTUAL reason to believe that would be unsafe???

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I was being facetious about the crazy over panic in the thread about it. Ridiculous over panic. Pretty sure it’s way way way way down on the list of ways I might die. lol.

Trucker3573 said:

I was being facetious about the crazy over panic in the thread about it. Ridiculous over panic. Pretty sure it’s way way way way down on the list of ways I might die. lol.

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Yes that’s how I took it so I replied in kind.

D B Cooper had to ask for chutes if I remember correctly.

The pressure in 1 of our tanks go up way more sitting in the heat. They are hydo tested to 7500 psi so 14.7 psi isn't going to do a thing. Yes I know, you can't argue with the bureaucrats as all they know is paper pushing.