News Archive

The Honorable Ernest Hollings
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Hollings:

On behalf of our almost 380,000 members who fly general aviation aircraft for business and personal use, 6,457 of whom live in South Carolina, I would like to express our vigorous opposition to Amendment No. 1873 of the Aviation Security Act (S.1447) which is prescriptive in nature and redundant to Sec. 113, which addresses security in respect to general aviation and air charters. We respectfully request that it be deleted from the bill at conference. If enacted, this section would compound the severe economic damage already inflicted on airports, aircraft owners, and fixed-base operators (FBOs).

Amendment 1873 would force the FAA to implement a security program for aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less. The program would address security with respect to crewmembers, passengers, baggage handlers, maintenance workers, and other individuals with access to general aviation aircraft. This provision is geared toward commercial airlines and does not reflect the realities of individually owned and operated general aviation aircraft. General aviation pilots generally conduct baggage handling, and those who fly as passengers are known to the pilot. In fact, most are typically family members or close friends.

Furthermore, the provision was not prompted by a request from the FAA or security officials. If there is a need for legislation requiring new security requirements, the FAA should be given flexibility in developing any such initiatives as they see fit. At this time, the FAA does not have the resources to develop, implement, and oversee security requirements for the more than 12,000 airports that serve over 200,000 general aviation aircraft.

In conclusion, the language of Amendment 1873 is too wide-ranging in nature and would be a huge unfunded federal mandate that will be borne by the FBOs, airports, and aircraft owners. It was drafted without input from either the FAA or the general aviation community. Its ambiguous language would be nearly impossible to implement properly, and it would do serious economic damage to general aviation small businesses that have already suffered greatly in the wake of September 11th.

We appreciate and thank you for your consideration. If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202/479-4050.

Sincerely,

Phil Boyer
President

November 5, 2001