From the latest Avweb.com newsletter…

TSA Expands GA Initiatives

The latest administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, John Pistole, visited EAA AirVenture on Monday along with Janet Napolitano, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. They said the nationwide “If You See Something, Say Something” DHS campaign will be expanded to general aviation, and the process for crossing the border in a GA aircraft will be simplified. Starting Sept. 1, pilots will be able to file a single manifest to meet both the TSA requirements and those of Customs and Border Protection. Officials from both AOPA and NBAA were quoted in a DHS news release as encouraged by the changes.

“This decision demonstrates [TSA and CBP] commitment to improving the efficiency of the system for all users,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller. NBAA President Ed Bolen added: “We thank the TSA and DHS for working with industry on these measures, which will be fully effective and workable as a result of our collaboration.”

Once again, the TSA “reaches out” to GA… well, depends on how you cut it. 

While any of us should already know the concept of “If You See Something, Say Something” (remember my ‘locks were made to keep honest people honest’ statement), it’s a good revamp of the Airport Watch Program.

But…

Why are we still waiting with bated breath the publication of SNPRM LASP?  If we have all these programs, four for Part 135 operations alone, why do we need LASP?  Since at least three studies by the DHS/TSA have admitted that GA is not an actual threat to National Security, why do we get LASP?  Since an SUV parked in Times Square as already been used by terrorists as a possible venue for a terrorist attack, why is GA in the spotlight? 

Even the Austin wacko who flew into the IRS building didn’t do that much damage (that is not to minimize the event, merely point out the differences in a small GA airplane and an airliner’s use as a Weapon of Mass Destruction).  Previous statements by the intelligence community concerning Bin Laden’s decision to NOT use GA because they don’t cause ENOUGH DAMAGE should indicate, again, that our freedom to fly doesn’t need to be curtailed for terrorism.  Certainly our freedom to drive SUVs in downtown NY hasn’t been curtailed.

And, starting September 1 the TSA and Custom can use the same form.  Whew!  Glad to see that paperwork is paperwork is finally recognized by those in DC.  Because Abdul and Osama will certainly fill all the squares while attempting to smuggle contraband, like an NBC threat, into the country.  I feel much safer now that Joe Tourist who wants to fly his Cessna to Canada and back can use one form.

I recently came back from a wonderful airshow in upstate New York.  Every year a group of WWI aircraft fly down from Canada and the CBP guy drives down from Rochester to sign them in.  This is a great example of service by a government employee, he stays there for hours while these guys wait out the weather to make their arrival.  Of course, when he retires, they’ll have to stop in BUF or ROC to fill out the forms and get inspected for Cuban cigars because his boss doesn’t want him down there.  Much better to have a cranky ninety year old (the DVII’s is original) engine with no starter land at BUF or ROC on concrete (instead of grass) because, by God, that’s what the rules say.  So, much for common sense.

Photo by Seth Goltzer

On another subject…

Some time ago DeLauter said that the DC3 program would expand for those airports, since GA’s not a threat.  So, when, exactly would that be happening?

Well, there was a meeting to explore the possibilities and they are “working the suggestions”.  Of course, the guys that benefit are those jets Senator Rockefeller talked about at Pistole’s confirmation hearing, not the little GA guys, because of the money and staff needed to fulfill all the requirements they are coming up with. 

So much for freedom of the skies.

Remember, fax or call your Congressman and Senator (it’s an election year and your vote’s up for grabs).  Keep this at the fore front so when LASP II comes up they’ll know what you’re talking about.  If they don’t like the idea, you can vote for somebody else.

After all, according to Rockefeller (D-WV) we make phones call and people jump.  Let’s put that in action!