Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 16000; Flight Crew Type 3500
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
While trying to get the plane ready for an on time departure; the load master left a NOTOC on the pedestal and did not verbally inform me that we had Class 1 materials on board which is required per our General Operations Manual (GOM). We taxied out normally and without incident. We should have informed ATC prior to taxing that we had Class 1 materials on board. In flight while reviewing the paperwork we discovered our error. We advised ATC at our landing airport of our cargo as required.
I was aware there are certain geographical areas we are required to report our HAZMAT on board; especially with regard to Explosives; and I was focusing on the notes on the flight plan and charter alert with regard to the country requirements and special notations on our entry permits. I asked the Captain if there were any countries we had to report our cargo to as a reminder to us all. He said 'no' and we continued our preparation. What I failed to do was look over the airport briefing notes. There were no instructions or reminders on our flight plan or charter alert with reminders or checklists to follow regarding the carriage of Class 1 Explosives. We were never verbally briefed by any member of the Safety or HAZMAT personnel as is required. There needs to be someone briefing the crews before these flights to include any special requirements to be performed by the flight crew. There should be a detailed check list to accompany these special flights to the crew so we don't have to perform an Easter Egg Hunt and hope we cover all reporting and performance parameters from memory.
Cargo flight crew reported departing without notifying ATC of Class 1 HAZMAT on board.