News Archive

9/11 law contains new security measures affecting GA

If you are returning from a Mexican siesta or Caribbean sojourn, be advised that the U.S. government plans to watch general aviation aircraft more closely.

As part of a broader piece of security legislation, which President Bush signed into law on August 3, is a measure that will require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to determine which aircraft — registered foreign or domestic — flying into the United States must furnish passenger manifests before departure. Currently, aircraft do this upon arrival.

In addition, the new statute calls for the TSA to conduct threat or vulnerability assessments at GA airports and authorize a federal funding program for security improvements at those airports.

"Time after time, government analysis and studies make it clear that there are no specific threats to national security from general aviation," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "However, Congress and the security agencies have requested that additional steps be taken to reduce vulnerabilities as part of the nationwide approach to strengthen security."

These provisions are a part of the 285-page new law.

The association has already been working with the TSA to ensure that its actions implementing the new law do not adversely affect pilots.

August 6, 2007