New TSA Proposal Must Balance Security With Mobility

Contact: Dan Hubbard at (202) 783-9360 or dhubbard@nbaa.org

View TSA proposal.

WASHINGTON, DC, OCTOBER 9, 2008 – The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolentoday said a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed rulemaking sent to the Federal Register for industry and publiccomment will be reviewed carefully to ensure it reflects the twin needs for security and mobility that are hallmarks of business aviation.

NBAA has been working with officials from the TSA for many months to provide information and background on the requirements of businessaviation operations, and the many improvements that the industry has undertaken voluntarily and in concert with the Departments of Transportationand Homeland Security since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. 

“We’ve been discussing the TSA’s security plans with our members, and keeping them apprised of our ongoing efforts to maintain that vitalbalance between the need to strengthen aviation security and to preserve the mobility and flexibility that are at the foundation of businessaviation,” Bolen said.

“The TSA proposed rulemaking contains 260 pages,” Bolen said.  “We will review it carefully, consulting with NBAA’s Security Council andcoordinating with our members to comment on this plan,” he said.  “Based on an initial review, we expect to file substantial commentson the proposal,” ended Bolen.

The proposed TSA regulations would cover aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight (MTOW) above 12,500 pounds,and the general aviation (GA) airports that serve these larger aircraft.  Known as the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP),the TSA plan includes security training for flight crews, periodic security audits for operators, and requirements for GA andother airports that service large aircraft.

The proposal provides 60 days for the public to provide comments.  NBAA plans to conduct a series of Town Hall meetings acrossthe country to solicit Member input.  NBAA will release a schedule next week detailing the meeting times and locations.

Information on the numerous voluntary actions on security taken by the business aviation community since 9/11 can be reviewedat NBAA’s web site, at web.nbaa.org/public/ops/security/.

Review a copy of the TSA proposal.

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading organization for companiesthat rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than8,000 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.

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