Ohio anti-terrorism effort slap in face to aircraft owners

Ohio anti-terrorism effort slap in face to aircraft owners

Ohio aircraft owners have been singled out by the state to sign a declaration with their annual aircraft registration renewal that they are not involved in terrorist activity. They are the only license holders under the state's Department of Transportation required to do this.

AOPA and aircraft owners are extremely displeased at this discrimination. The association, on behalf of members, has requested that the state remove this requirement.

"Frankly, it is offensive to Ohio's pilot population to suggest that they are more suspect than people who own boats, trucks, or automobiles," wrote Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs, in a letter to the state's department of public safety.

"Ohio's aircraft owners and pilots are committed to do their part to support our nation's security."

Pecoraro cited pilots' voluntary participation in Airport Watch.

January 16, 2007