DOT rule would permit unlimited amounts of hazmats on aircraft
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed a rule change that would permit shipment of unlimited quantities of hazardous materials on passenger airliners. Currently, DOT allows only 50 pounds per flight.
Japan Airlines first requested the rule change in order to match DOT regulations with international regulations. International rules do not limit the amount of hazardous materials on passenger flights.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Airline Pilots Association are working to prevent the rule change. They are requesting that a complete study of past passenger airline accidents involving hazardous materials be conducted before lifting the 50-pound limit.
In addition, the pilots association and IAFC are arguing that the rule should not be changed until shipping, handling, and emergency response personnel have received special training in hazardous materials transportation.
In fact, the IAFC and pilots suggest that, even after investigating accident history and ensuring training for emergency personnel, the DOT should increase the 50-pound limit only by incremental amounts.
Opposition to the new rule was weakened recently by the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) decision to back the position of Japan Airlines. The Air Transportation Association and Airline Passengers Association also have given their support to eliminate the 50-pound limit.
