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This page contains security-related news, resources and recommendations of interest to business aviation operators. Learn more about:
Security News
TSA Launches Secure Fixed Base Operator Program
January 15, 2008
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently launched the Secure Fixed Base Operator Program at Signature Flight Support locations in Anchorage, Alaska and Shannon, Ireland. This voluntary proof-of-concept program allows FBOs to check passenger and crew identification against official flight manifests for general aviation aircraft inbound to the United States. For operators (i.e. Part 135) required to transmit manifest information through eAPIS, the FBO will check passenger and crew identification against the eAPIS submission. Upon completion of this check, the FBO will transmit results to TSA. This transmission will not include any biographical data contained on the identifications or on the flight manifest, only that all passengers match names listed on the manifest. Operators electing to participate in this program at Shannon will still be required to complete normal Customs clearance procedures upon arrival in the United States. This pilot program is being conducted to determine if advanced screening of general aviation aircraft inbound to the United States would provide additional security while maintaining operational flexibility. For additional information, download the TSA Notice (55 KB, PDF).
NBAA Voices Concern About CBP Proposal for GA
December 7, 2007
NBAA has written U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to express concern about the agency's proposal requiring pilots to file passenger manifests exclusively through a designated CBP Internet site before crossing the U.S. border. "The U.S. often takes for granted the wide availability of a reliable connection to the Internet," NBAA's letter states. But, "in most parts of the world, Internet availability is a scarce resource and difficult to secure." The letter notes that business aircraft are often used to travel to remote parts of the world, precisely because such locations have little or no other reliable means of connecting people – whether through the Internet or otherwise. The Association's letter cited several other concerns about the CBP proposal.
NBAA Newsletter Highlights Possible GA Security Developments
August 20, 2007
The Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are reviewing new security protocols for general aviation, and this year, the TSA could release a number of programs designed to enhance security for business aviation operations. While the TSA programs could include both regulatory mandates and advisory guidance, it is important to note that the industry and NBAA will have an opportunity to provide feedback before any requirements are finalized. NBAA will ensure that the Membership receives sufficient notice to provide constructive feedback. Review NBAA's report on GA security in the latest issue of Business Aviation Insider, NBAA's Member newsletter.
House Committee Clears Measure for Airport Employee Screening Pilot Program
August 6, 2007
The U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee last week approved legislation (H.R.1413) to create a pilot program to evaluate the screening of airport employees with access to secure and sterile areas of airports. The legislation requires the Transportation Security Administration to implement a physical security screening program at seven air carrier airports to measure the effectiveness and local operational impacts of airport employee screening. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. For additional information, contact NBAA's Dick Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org.
Congress Enacts 9/11 Legislation to Strengthen Homeland Security Programs
July 30, 2007
Last week, the House and Senate approved comprehensive legislation to strengthen national transportation security and anti-terror programs. H.R. 1, Improving America's Security Act of 2007, provides additional homeland security funding to high-risk states and cities and expands security screening of air and sea cargo. With regard to general aviation, the bill: 1) requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop and implement a security threat and vulnerability assessment program for general aviation airports within one year; 2) directs the TSA to conduct a feasibility study about providing federal grants on a threat risk-basis to general aviation airports to upgrade of local security programs; and 3) requires the TSA to develop an advance passenger information submittal system for all passengers and crew on foreign-registered general aviation aircraft inbound to the U.S. For additional details, contact NBAA's Dick Doubrava at rdoubrava@nbaa.org.
NBAA Member Newsletter Reviews Forthcoming GA Security Measures
July 23, 2007
The latest issue of NBAA's official Member publication, Business Aviation Insider, reports some of the new, additional security measures being considered by the Transportation Security Administration. Potential policies still are under development, and the agencies are expected to submit proposals as early as this summer. Once published, the proposal will include a formal comment period during which NBAA and the public will be able to submit feedback. Review the newsletter article.
GA Security Overhaul Under Consideration
July 9, 2007
The Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration are actively considering changes to general aviation (GA) security policy as reported in recent media accounts, and previously by NBAA. Potential policies are still under development, and the agencies are expected to submit proposals as early as this summer. Once published, the proposal will include a formal comment period during which NBAA and the public will be able to submit feedback. Based on previous federal rulemaking experience, NBAA does not expect a final rule until possibly sometime next year. Review NBAA's answers to some frequently asked questions on this topic.
As Officials Consider New GA Security Policies, Continued Airport Vigilance Encouraged
July 9, 2007
On July 2, a concerned citizen alerted Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) management after witnessing a suspicious vehicle driving slowly in front of the airport. One of the two men inside the vehicle was videotaping the area. The proper agencies were alerted, and the circumstances now are under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security after recommendation by the State Terrorism & Intelligence Center. Feedback from law enforcement authorities indicates that this was not a test or hoax. As federal officials consider new security policies for the general aviation community, NBAA encourages Members to be aware of activity around their airports and to report any suspicious activity to 1-866-GA-SECURE and local law enforcement. Review NBAA's Best Security Practices.
NBAA Focuses on Upcoming GA Security Changes
July 2, 2007
At the St. Louis Regional Forum in June, NBAA's Steve Brown, senior vice president, operations & administration, discussed forthcoming general aviation (GA) security policies. Brown alerted Attendees to the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) effort to develop a security program for larger GA aircraft. The TSA could release the proposal for public comment this summer with possibly two to four months allowed for feedback. If the TSA follows established rulemaking procedures, implementation of the final rule could take from 12 to 24 months. In addition to security, Brown also discussed the FAA's increased focus on runway safety areas (RSAs). Many older airports, GA airports in particular, are not in full compliance with all technical aspects of RSAs and could face shorter runways and consequently, decreased access. EMAS has been identified as a possible solution to provide rapid but safe overrun area while preserving runway length. To hear more, listen to the podcast.
With New GA Security Measures Coming, NBAA Hosted Officials During EBACE
June 11, 2007
As part of NBAA’s ongoing efforts to educate government officials about the general aviation security, the Association hosted several senior-level officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during the 7th Annual European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE2007) held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 22 to 24. NBAA introduced the U.S. security officials to their European counterparts and held a series of discussions with them regarding a range of domestic and international security issues that affect general aviation. NBAA was able to provide Member feedback directly to the security officials, including Rob Rottman, the DHS deputy director of transportation and infrastructure, who participated in an EBACE panel discussion on European Union-registered aircraft operations in the U.S. The government officials also were given a walking tour of the EBACE Static Display of Aircraft, providing them with a first-hand view of the security assets on board the aircraft.
As DHS and TSA officials prepare to propose new security policies for general aviation later this summer, the meetings were yet another valuable step taken by NBAA to explain to government officials the operating model and unique security needs of the business aviation community. The Association will continue to work with authorities to highlight the effective security measures already practiced by business aircraft operators and remind regulators of the need to ensure an appropriate balance between security concerns and the mobility needs of the general aviation community. Review highlights of this year's EBACE at www.ebace.aero.
Bolen Defends GA Security in Letter to Newspaper
June 11, 2007
In response to an article in the Portland Press Herald about pending Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rules for small aircraft, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen sent a letter to the editor pointing out the extensive work done by general aviation to tighten security since 9/11 in voluntary cooperation with federal officials. "Security has always been a top priority for general aviation," Bolen says. "As federal officials consider new GA security policies, NBAA will continue working with authorities to highlight the effective measures already in place, and ensure an appropriate balance between security and mobility concerns." Read the full letter.
View past security-related announcements on the Security Archive page.
Security Programs
TSA Access Certificate (TSAAC)
Immediately after September 11, 2001, NBAA worked with security professionals and representatives from all facets of business aviation to establish best practices for business aviation security. Those best practices were then developed into a security protocol that the TSA has used in a “proof-of-concept security program.” Operators in the program were issued a TSAAC. The program is comprised of security procedures including corporate background checks on flight crew and ground crew personnel, screening/inspection of passengers and baggage, integration of pre-flight, in-flight, and ground-security programs, and utilization of threat intelligence. The program is being tested with 24 business aviation operators at three New York-area general aviation airports. More.
DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP)
On July 19, 2005, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released the interim final rule that created the DASSP to allow certain elements of general aviation aircraft into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The DASSP allows operators under security programs, like the TFSSP and PCSSP, as well as aircraft operated by corporations, to fly into DCA provided they follow the requirements of the Security Program and are authorized by TSA. More.
Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP)
On February 22, 2002, a final rule was published in the Federal Register that established the "twelve-five program." The TFSSP is applicable to scheduled and charter (passenger and cargo) operations to, from, within, or outside the United States that use aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) of more than 12,500 pounds. The TFSSP requires that certain aircraft operators conduct criminal history records checks on their flightcrew members, and restrict access to the flight deck. Additional requirements, only available to charter operators who are part of the program, must be followed. More.
Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP)
Part 121, 125 and 135 operators that charter aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight greater than 45,500 kg (100,309.3 pounds), or with a passenger seating configuration of 61 or more, must ensure that all passengers and accessible baggage are screened prior to boarding the aircraft. Additionally, these operators must have a security program that establishes the required security components for private charter operations. More.
Flight Training Candidates Checks Program (FTCCP)
In the February 13, 2003, Federal Register, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule for the screening of aliens and other designated individuals seeking flight training. Details of the rule include the current procedure for expedited processing, instructions on the use of the Flight Training Candidates Checks Program (FTCCP) for candidates who are not current and qualified in aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds and above, and clarifying definitions. More.
Security Resources & Recommendations
NBAA Best Practices for Business Aviation Security
An overview of procedures used by business aircraft operators to secure their people, aircraft and facilities.
Flight Department Security Checklist (64 KB Adobe PDF File)
Developed by the NBAA Safety Committee
GAO Report on General Aviation Security (6MB, PDF)
December 10, 2004
President's Perspective: Reality Check for Business Aviation Security
May 3, 2004 - NBAA Update #04-18
TSA Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports
November 17, 2003
GA Coalition Security Recommendations
to the TSA
December 12, 2001
Recommendations by AOPA, EAA, GAMA, HAI and NBAA for enhancing the security of general aviation
operations.
Common
Sense Security For the Modest Flight Department (65 KB PDF File)
December 12, 2001
Presentation from the 54th Annual Meeting & Convention
Security Proposed or Final Rules
TSA Interim Final Rule Reinstating General Aviation at DCA (186 KB, PDF)
July 15, 2005
TSA Final Rule - Threat Assessments on Citizens Who Hold or Apply for FAA Certificates (123 KB PDF File)
January 24, 2003
TSA Final Rule - Threat Assessments Regarding Alien Holders of, and Applicants for, FAA Certificates (62 KB PDF File)
January 24, 2003
FAA Final Rule Regarding Disqualification Based on Security (102 KB PDF File)
January 24, 2003
FAA NPRM Continuous Transponder Operation For Hijacking Response ( 111 KB PDF File)
January 14, 2003
FAA Final Rule Clarifies Flightdeck Security Requirements (104 KB PDF File)
December 30, 2002
Foreign operators utilizing business aircraft under CFR Part 129 do not need to meet
the hardened cockpit door requirements as was originally stated in the rule.
Security Advisories
DHS Advisory – Security Information for Charter, Air Cargo Corporate and General
Aviation (43
KB, PDF)
August 10 , 2006
DHS Security Information for Aircraft Owners/Operators & Airport Managers (48
KB, PDF)
April 20, 2006
DHS Security Advisory for Aerial Application Operators/Airports (251 KB, PDF)
November 5, 2004
DHS General Aviation Security Advisory - Threats Against the Financial Services Sector (50 KB, PDF)
August 6, 2004
DHS General Aviation Security Advisory - Call For Increased Vigilance (53 KB, PDF)
November 21, 2003
DHS General Aviation Security Advisory - Call for a Review of Security Procedures (53 KB, PDF)
September 8, 2003
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