B717 (Formerly MD-95)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Company Policy; Human Factors
Before departure I was asked to sign Notification to Aircraft Commander (NOTAC) Airbill for compressed oxygen bottles. I thought that might be odd so I called my Dispatcher and looked it up with him in the Flight Operations Manual (FOM). FOM Chapter 6; Unacceptable Items talks about NOTAC Required items and references a list which includes aircraft oxygen bottles. But reading further down the page the FOM states 'The following items are considered unacceptable items for shipment: Compressed gasses (including oxygen bottles)'. In an over abundance of caution the Dispatcher and I decided to remove the compressed gasses trunk from the aircraft before leaving the gate. I did not sign the NOTAC for compressed oxygen. While removing the compressed gasses trunk I observed a full size main gear tire ahead of the trunk. Thinking this was odd; I looked it up in the FOM (I don't remember the place). It states that tires will be secured. Given that the tire was not strapped down; I asked the ramper to strap the tire down. Since the rammers did not have straps; the rampers and I decided to remove the tire (before leaving the gate) in the interests of safety. I believe it would not be wise to carry compressed oxygen in the cargo hold. The fire suppression system relies on removing oxygen from the cargo bin with the help of the cargo liner. All are important in suppressing fire. A source of oxygen seems to be against the premise of removing oxygen from the bin. That's my opinion. Both items we removed before leaving the gate.
B717 Captain reports having compressed oxygen bottles removed from his aircraft cargo hold as he does not believe they can be legally transported on passenger aircraft. An aircraft tire is also removed; as it is found to be not tied down and no tie downs are available.