Summary

GAO reviewed the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new rule on the reduction of fuel tank flammability in transport category airplanes. GAO found that (1) the final rule amends FAA regulations to require operators and manufacturers of transport category airplanes to take steps that, in combination with other required actions, should reduce the chances of a catastrophic fuel tank explosion; and (2) except for the delay in the effective date, FAA complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.