TSA to propose more limited security measures for general aviation
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has opted for relaxing proposed security measure for general aviation (GA); the new plan is likely to exempt all general aviation aircraft smaller than mid-size jets as defined by maximum takeoff weight or fuel capacity; pilots of such mid-size and larger GA aircraft would be required to go through a vetting process and earn “trusted pilot” credentials
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is listening to the general aviation community as it formulates its new security plan for general aviation, a source close to the program told Fred George of writes Aviation Week. The source credits TSA associate administrator John P. Sammon as a prime reason why the agency is radically scaling back its original Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP).
When first proposed, the LASP applied to all aircraft over 12,500 lb max takeoff weight and generated vehement opposition from the general aviation community (see ” Debate Intensifies Over Private Planes Security Measures,” 26 February 2010 HSNW). The new plan, the source said, is likely to exempt all general aviation aircraft smaller than mid-size jets as defined by maximum takeoff weight or fuel capacity.
Pilots of such mid-size and larger GA aircraft would be required by TSA to go through a vetting process and earn “trusted pilot” credentials. Such credentialed pilots then solely would be responsible to determine who is allowed to board the aircraft, similar to how general aviation pilots screen passengers today.
George writes that in a related proposal, TSA is looking into a credentialing process that would allow vetted pilots to have unfettered access to their aircraft on general aviation ramps at air carrier airports without the need for escorts. This will require each air carrier airport authority to accept the TSA pilot vetting process, and that could prove difficult to accomplish.
