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 Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. The meeting will take place at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel Atlanta Airport, One Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354, 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:
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.