New York security requirements excessive
By AOPA ePublishing staff
Additional security requirements at Republic Airport would be an invasion of privacy and impose too many restrictions on pilots.
That's why AOPA wrote Airport Director Michael Geiger to express its concerns about a proposal to implement airline-style security measures at the general aviation airport. The plan would require pilots and aircraft owners based at the airport to undergo three separate background checks, including one for criminal history. It also limits access to the airport and may deter student pilots from seeking flight instruction.
AOPA previously reported on the unacceptable one-size-fits-all approach to airport security in New York. Every pilot is already required by federal regulation to have in their possession and available for inspection both their FAA-issued pilot certificate and a government-issued photo identification.
"Use of these government-issued documents should alleviate the need for the airport to engage in a series of costly and time-consuming background checks," said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs.
AOPA encourages airport management to work with pilots to develop reasonable standards that meet the legitimate security needs of the airport, while preserving easy access to general aviation.
October 18, 2007
