NBAA, GA Associations Send Letter Seeking Rulemaking Committee for LASP

Contact: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.orgPatrick Dunne,(202) 783-9263, pdunne@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, February 5, 2009 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today joined other general aviation associations in requesting that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) establish a rule-making committee to address questions and concerns raised by industry and government about the TSA’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP).

NBAA made the request in a letter sent to TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. The letter is co-signed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

In the letter, the signatories state: “Given the [LASP] proposal’s substantial lack of data regarding the effect of this program on general aviation, and TSA’s numerous requests for critical information from the public, we are formally requesting that TSA begin the steps necessary to establish a rulemaking committee. Creation of a dedicated workgroup would allow industry and the TSA to work together on requirements that would simultaneously enhance general aviation security and facilitate general aviation operations.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen first requested the formation of such a committee at a January 6 TSA hearing for industry comment on the LASP held in White Plains, NY. “Business aviation is an important industry, security is an important objective, and we deserve that kind of dialogue,” Bolen said at the White Plains hearing.

After signing the letter today, Bolen observed: “The business aviation community is committed to security, and as we work toward a final rule, we need to get this right. I look forward to working with TSA officials on the formation of a rulemaking committee, so that we can effectively address the questions and concerns that have been raised.”

To review a copy of the letter from NBAA and the other associations, visit: www.nbaa.org/advocacy/letters/20090205-lasp.pdf” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/letters/20090205-lasp.pdf”>www.nbaa.org/advocacy/letters/20090205-lasp.pdf);”.pdf

To visit NBAA’s online LASP web site – which includes information about the proposal and resources for making your voice heard about the plan – visit: www.nbaa.org/lasp

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.

Members of the media may receive NBAA Press Releases immediately via e-mail. To subscribe to the NBAA Press Release e-mail list, submit the online form at www.nbaa.org/news/pr/subscribe.