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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington, DC

Milwaukee Now Open as a Gateway Airport Into DCA
June 19, 2006
In early May 2006, the Transportation Security Administration announced that three airports were to be added to the list of approved "gateway airports" for flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) by operators approved in accordance with the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP). Facilities at two of the airports, Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) and Memphis International Airport (MEM), are still going through the vetting process to be approved. General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is now approved and available for use by DASSP operators. A list of the other 12 gateway airports and more information on becoming a DASSP operator may be found on NBAA's DAASP web site at http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/security/dassp/.

DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP)

DCA in NBAA Press Releases

DCA in the News

NBAA Welcomes TSA’s Added Entry Points for General Aviation Flights Into DCA
May 9, 2006
NBAA today commended Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials for adding three new airports to the list of twelve already serving as “gateway” facilities that provide security checks to allow federally approved general aviation aircraft access into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). “The TSA’s decision to expand the number of gateway airports for general aviation flights into DCA represents another positive step in restoring full access to the airport for our industry,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Review the press release.

NBAA Welcomes Arrival of First General Aviation Flight at Reagan National Airport Since 2001
October 18, 2005
NBAA hailed the arrival of the first regular general aviation flight at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) since September 2001. "NBAA is pleased to welcome the arrival of the first general aviation flight into Washington National Airport in more than four years," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We have always believed that effective security measures can coexist with normal economic activity and freedom of mobility at the airport, and today's flight marks a good step in that direction." Review the press release.

NBAA Letter Outlines Concerns Over Plan to Restore GA Operations at DCA
In comments sent September 19 from NBAA to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Association called the government's plan for reinstating general aviation operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) a "good first step" toward restoring full access to the airport, but raised several concerns about the onerous requirements included in the Agency's interim final rule (IFR) for general aviation procedures at DCA. "While we acknowledge the positive first step that this IFR represents, the regulatory burden placed on business aircraft operators exceeds that currently required by the scheduled airlines flying into DCA today," the NBAA letter noted. Download a copy of the letter (PDF, 153 KB)

TSA Releases DCA Access Application Process and Guidance
August 19, 2005
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released the application process and guidance material for aircraft operators, fixed-base operators (FBOs) and armed security officers (ASOs) seeking or supporting access into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). NBAA encourages all interested operators to download and review all relevant documentation before starting the application process. For questions please contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.

ASO Program Announcement (PDF, 24 KB)
Important Information and FAQs (PDF, 184 KB)
ASO Guidance and Application (PDF, 88 KB)
ASO Federal Background Check Form (PDF, 512 KB)
Non Disclosure Agreement Form (PDF, 24 KB)
FBO and Operator Guidance and Application (PDF, 72 KB)

NBAA Releases Fact Sheet on DCA Access Rule
August 8, 2005
NBAA has developed a fact sheet on the recently published interim final rule on access to Reagan National Airport (DCA). The fact sheet outlines the requirements necessary for aircraft operators seeking to operate into or out of DCA. NBAA will update this fact sheet as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) releases additional guidance. On August 18, the TSA will permit aircraft operators to begin the process outlined in the fact sheet. For more information, contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.

FAA Publishes Proposed Rule on DC Airspace
August 8, 2005
On August 4, the FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks to codify the existing airspace restrictions surrounding Washington Capital area. Currently, the FAA uses notices to airmen (NOTAMs) to restrict flying in around Washington, DC. NBAA is concerned about any proposal to permanently restrict aircraft access to airports and airspace, and will be reviewing this proposal with an eye toward its impact on businesses, economic activity and freedom of mobility. NBAA believes this formal rulemaking process will reveal the significant economic impact that these restrictions have had on aviation in the Washington area. NBAA encourages Members to submit comments on this proposed rule by the November 2 deadline. For more information, contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.

Download the proposed rule (156 KB, PDF)

Bolen Testifies at Senate Hearing on General Aviation Security
June 9, 2005
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing on June 9, focusing on general aviation security in Washington, DC airspace and the plan recently announced by the government to reopen Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to general aviation operators. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), chairman of the Committee, presided. In addition to NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), FAA and other representatives from the general aviation community testified. For more information, contact NBAA's Lisa Piccione at lpiccione@nbaa.org.