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Revised TSA Security Directives.

Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:25 pm
by Jon
The following was posted on the AOPA web site and addresses the previous concerns about access for pilots to commercial airports. A huge thank you to AOPA for their efforts in making what could have been a major access problem for our pilot go away.

"Congress considers amendment to limit security directives
By AOPA ePublishing Staff

As pilots at commercial-service airports across the country adapt to new security requirements this week, Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) is leading an effort in Congress to revise the standard for when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can use emergency procedures to issue regulations or security devices.

Security Directive 8F, later clarified in Security Directive 8G raised concerns among pilots about its potential effects on general aviation and a lack of input from GA stakeholders. Mica, along with Reps. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.), has introduced an amendment to the TSA Authorization Act (H.R. 2200) that would reinforce that security directives should only be used to respond to emergencies and immediate threats, not as an alternative to the normal regulatory process.

“Congressman Mica and his colleagues have shown leadership on this amendment with their risk-based, reasoned approach to securing our national transportation system,” said AOPA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Lorraine Howerton.

Security directives, or SDs, provide a way for the TSA to respond quickly to specific threats, without going through the public comment period required for any long-term change in regulations. Mica’s amendment would clarify that security directives can be issued “in order to respond to an imminent threat of finite duration”; any regulation or SD in effect longer than 180 days would have to go through the public rulemaking process.

In a joint letter to Mica, AOPA and five other aviation organizations wrote that the amendment would direct the TSA to rely on established procedures for the strategic introduction of new security requirements, while still providing it the flexibility to respond to imminent threats.

“Your amendment properly balances risk mitigation and necessary tactical response with potential industry impacts and appropriate public review,” the letter states.

H.R.2200 is expected to be considered on the House floor this week. "

June 3, 2009

Re: Revised TSA Security Directives.

Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:56 am
by richclover
We were allowed to walk, yesterday, directly between our airplane and the FBO, Jon. Idaho Falls and Casper, WY. Quiet Sunday morning at KIDA, so we were parked directly in front of the door, short walk for Willie, the old dog.

The FBO at KCPR had no escort readily available, so no vehicles allowed on the ramp. K2 News was doing a story on Rescue Rangers, our receiver. We had to carry camera gear out to the airplane for the interview (link to follow, "Success Stories"), and we were obliged to walk Willie to the parking lot. 150 yds across the ramp.

My point: You've been right, Jon. Even the "relaxed" TSA rules have made transport more difficult. While apologetic, the FBOs' hands are tied. At least we were charged no ramp fee.

Re: Revised TSA Security Directives.

Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 1:34 pm
by Jon
There have been mixed results at the airports I have flown into.

I am not going to name airport names because I am now paranoid and do not want some TSA weenie clamping down on airports that attempt to use common sense.

I have been into small airports with limited commuter or regional service. At those the FBO employees recognize a pilotsnpaws flight for what it is (not a threat to security) and make it very convenient to load and unload, even to the point of allowing the car picking up my passengers to be on the ramp as I taxi in.

At one airport the FBO was insistent upon not allowing the car carrying 8 pups onto the ramp until I made it clear some of the dogs were "runners" and that they were not leash trained, and that I assumed no responsibility if they should get loose. It took a few phone calls, but one of the managers was reached at home and apparently authorized the car to access the ramp. The transfer from the car to the plane was uneventful and the line crew were relieved to not have the responsibility. Debi helped me on this one and she was a huge help in getting the line people to recognize how important it was to get the car to the plane. She may be able to add what we would have encountered it we had to carry or walk the animals.

By contrast I have gone into unattended airports and things could not be easier with the people involved doing what was required, including driving on the ramp to transfer the animals from the plane to the cars.

So far when cars have been allowed on the ramp we had one glitch and that was when one of the cars failed to stop at the gate to allow it to close. I am just concerned when and if TSA does get to implement their plan. I would guess that half of the animals I transport are not leash trained and will be very difficult to get across a ramp. It may not be a big deal if the plane is next to the FBO, or the ramp access gate, but it will be a major problem if the plane is located across a busy ramp with activity and frightened untrained animals have to be walked or carried to the plane.