Pilots concerned about badge requirements at commercial airports
By AOPA ePublishing Staff
The Transportation Security Administration has extended the deadline
for a controversial security directive that would require security
badges and background checks for all general aviation pilots based at
air carrier airports. The TSA will meet with industry representatives
to consider alternatives and to find solutions better suited to GA.
“Pilots are very concerned about the TSA action,” said Andy Cebula,
AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. “The TSA must
realize that pilots have a vested interest. Our goal is to work with
the TSA to ensure pilots’ need for access at commercial airports is
addressed.”
The decision to push the deadline for compliance back to June 1 will
allow the TSA to incorporate industry input and come up with guidance
for airports that minimize the SD’s impact on GA operators and airports.
The information was released in a conference call today with
operators, representatives from airports, and other GA organizations.
AOPA will be working with the TSA in the next few days to explore
options for keeping airports secure while minimizing the burden on
pilots.
As airports across the country have been implementing the new
security measures, AOPA members have been frustrated by the changing
requirements and limited access to information about the SD. AOPA
expects the industry-TSA collaboration to produce clear guidelines
that take into account the rules’ impact on operators and airports.
February 24, 2009
On Feb 27, 2009, at 11:56 AM, Percy wrote:
"Perhaps we could find some aviation-friendly senators
and representatives willing to take on the issue?
They all are, Eliacim. when the Entire Population is
inconvenienced. Until then, airplanes are a rich mans
toy.
On the other hand,
"GA boycotting those airports sounds like a good idea.
is a very bad idea. We flyers are mear chaff in the
political winds. It is Only when we get the Vast
(non-silent) Majority behind us that we get any where.
When I responded to the TSA, I also chastized the EAA.
They listed reasons that flyers should respond. Only
ther Last Points mentioned Constitutional issues, or
any thing that the General Populus would care about.
And I keep paying my dues why?
Percy in NM, USA
