Contact: Dan Hubbard at (202) 783-9360 or dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, February 10, 2005 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed a ruling from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that re-opens three general aviation airports in the Washington region to “transient” aircraft, which are aircraft based outside the Washington, DC, area.
“NBAA believes the TSA’s ruling represents a positive step in restoring access to the Washington region for general aviation aircraft operators,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “In lifting the restrictions at the airports, TSA has recognized that security protections for general aviation must take economic considerations and personal liberties into account. NBAA will continue working with TSA to develop an even more streamlined and manageable set of general aviation security requirements that apply to airports and airspace in Washington and across the country.”
The airports affected by TSA’s ruling are located in Maryland, and include College Park Airport (CGS), Potomac Airfield (VKX), and Washington Executive/Hyde Field (W32). The facilities were closed to all aircraft traffic following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In February 2002, the airports were reopened only to aircraft based at the three airfields.
The TSA’s rule, issued yesterday and effective February 13, requires enhanced security procedures for pilots of transient aircraft that are already in place for pilots based at the airports. The security measures include, but are not limited to, background checks, fingerprint tests, criminal history checks, aircraft registration, and submission of flight plans.
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Founded in 1947, NBAA serves its 7,400 Member Companies by promoting the aviation interests of organizations utilizing business aircraft in the United States and worldwide. The association 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.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.