TSA to host public hearing on Large Aircraft Security Program

In response to a request from AOPA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will host a public hearing about the proposed Large Aircraft Security Program on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009. The meeting will take place at Westchester County Airport (HPN), Building 1 Airport Road, White Plains, NY 10604, and begin at 9 a.m., with registration starting at 8 a.m. Participants wishing to present an oral statement at the meeting must register in person between 8 and 9 a.m. the day of the meeting and provide their name and affiliation. See notice published in the Federal Register for more information.

The proposed rule represents an unprecedented intrusion on general aviation because it would apply commercial standards to GA operations. AOPA is concerned about the proposal because the TSA has provided no justification for setting the aircraft weight requirement at 12,500 pounds. The association also fears it could expand to all sizes of GA aircraft. Equally alarming is a requirement that aircraft operators use and pay for third-party auditors to perform a government function.

Each speaker will be allowed three minutes to explain to the TSA the impact this rule would have on GA flight operations. Follow these tips while crafting your comments:

• Describe yourself as a pilot and how your use your aircraft, including:
  • The type of aircraft you fly or own
  • The airport where you are based
• Describe how the proposed rule would adversely affect the way that you fly
  • Describe how the TSA’s proposal would impact you
  • Describe any costs that you would incur as a result of the passage of the proposed rule
  • Describe any economic loss or job loss associated with the implementation of this rule
• Describe any actions that you currently take that would alleviate the need for this rule (Be careful not to go into specifics or compromise your security program.)
  

Your voice can make a difference! Show up and explain to the TSA just how the proposed Large Aircraft Security Program will impact your flying! Your fellow pilots are depending on your help.