March 14, 2005
Part 121, 125 and 135 operators that charter aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight greater than 45,500 kg (100,309.3 pounds), or with a passenger seating configuration of 61 or more, must ensure that all passengers and accessible baggage are screened prior to boarding the aircraft. Additionally, these operators must have a security program that establishes the required security components for private charter operations.
The program must include use of metal detection devices, use of X-ray systems, security coordinators, law enforcement personnel, accessible weapons, criminal history records checks, training for security coordinators and crewmembers, training for individuals with security-related duties, bomb or air piracy threats, security directives, and all of subpart E of 49 CFR Part 1544 concerning screener qualifications when the aircraft operator performs screening.
In the Oct. 19, 2004, Federal Register (Vol. 69, No. 201) the TSA provided notice that requires aircraft operators using aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight over 12,500 pounds, that are certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR part 125, to meet the requirements of 49 CFR 1544.101(e) or (f) and operate under a TSA security program.
How to Request the PCSSP
Part 121, 125, and 135 operators subject to the “Private Charter Security Rule” can request a copy of the PCSSP via email to Lon.Siro@dhs.gov. Include the following in your email:
- Name of parent company (and certificate #) and all other business names used.
- Affirmation that the company is either (1) a 121 or 135 operator conducting private charter operations in aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight greater than 45,500 kg (100,309.3 pounds), or with a passenger seating configuration of 61 or more will be subject to the screening requirement; or (2) an aircraft operator using aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight over 12,500 pounds, that is certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR part 125.
- Name and title of the company official requesting the PCSSP.
- Telephone number and FAX number where that official can be reached.
- Name of company’s Principal Operations Inspector and at least one other FAA inspector or supervisor (e.g., PMI, Assistant POI, FSDO Supervisor/Manager) and phone numbers.
- Specify in the Subject line of your message: “Request for PCSSP.”
Private Charter Screening Training
The Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP) requires aircraft operators to ensure all passengers and accessible baggage is screened prior to boarding the aircraft. To comply with this requirement, the Private Charter Rule allows “non-TSA” screeners who have completed TSA-approved private charter screener training to perform the screening. TSA screeners who have completed the TSA-approved Basic Screener Training Course may also perform screening at TSA checkpoints for private charter operations.
References
TSA Notice as it appeared in the Oct. 19, 2004, Federal Register
Notice of Delay of PCSSP compliance date as it appeared in the Feb. 5, 2003, Federal Register
Final Private Charter Security Rule as it appeared in the Dec. 31, 2002, Federal Register
Sept. 23, 2002, notice announcing the availability of the PCSSP
Aug. 28, 2002, TSA notice extending comment period and delaying compliance date
NBAA’s July 18, 2002, comments
Original Private Charter Security Rule as it appeared in the June 19, 2002, Federal Register
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.