Hazardous Materials Transportation Rule Revised

The DOT yesterday issued a final rule amending the requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials by aircraft. This final rule, which goes into effect October 1, clarifies the applicability of Part 175; clarifies the exceptions from regulation for operator equipment and supplies, special aircraft operations and passengers and crewmembers; and updates the regulations to comply with security requirements for explosive special permits. The DOT said these changes are being made to resolve outstanding petitions for rulemaking, convert certain special permits into regulations and promote international harmonization. Aircraft operators are reminded that compliance with DOT Part 175 does not preclude compliance with hazardous materials training requirements in FAR Parts 121 or 135.