TSA Access Certificate (TSAAC)
Updated February 22, 2007
Immediately after September 11, 2001, NBAA established a Security Council comprised of former security professionals and
representatives from all facets of business aviation. The Security Council worked to develop a method to document and present
to the FAA the best practices for business aviation security.
Those best practices were then developed into a security protocol that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
has used in a “proof-of-concept security program.” Part 91 operators based at Teterboro (TEB) were offered the
opportunity to participate in the initial test phase of the program. The program testing was later expanded to operators
based at Westchester County (HPN) and Morristown (MMU).
After meeting the requirements of the security protocol and being vetted, operators were issued a TSAAC by the TSA. One of the major benefits of the TSAAC program was that operators could fly internationally without having to pass through one of the eight “portal” countries as outlined in FDC 2/5319.
On August 23, 2006, the FAA issued NOTAM 6/7435 which allows operators of aircraft under 100,309 MTOW to fly internationally without having to pass through a “portal” country. As a result, operators meeting the requirements of this NOTAM no longer need to request waivers or obtain a TSAAC to avoid passing through a “portal” country. For additional information, visit: http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/restrictions/2006/200608237435.php
NBAA is continuing to work with the TSA to apply the TSAAC standards to any future general aviation security programs. As new programs are developed, NBAA is hopeful that operators meeting the TSAAC standards will receive additional benefits.
TSAAC News
FAA Issues National Security Flight Advisory for Operations To/From the U.S.
August 18, 2006
On August 23, 2006, the FAA issued NOTAM FDC 6/7435, modifying the weight limits contained in NOTAM 6/6101 to 100,309 pounds MTOW, which matches the weight specified in the Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP). Existing waivers to NOTAMs 2/5319 and 6/6101 remain in effect for the duration specified in those waivers. As a result, operators of aircraft weighing 100,309 pounds MTOW or less no longer need to request waivers or obtain a TSAAC to avoid passing through a “portal” country.
The three requirements for operations to or from the U.S. are now the following:
- Operators must file and operate with an active flight plan.
- Aircraft must be equipped with an operational Mode C transponder and continuously squawk an ATC issued transponder code.
- Operators must maintain two-way communications with ATC.
NBAA Applauds Presidential Signature to Bill With Language Encouraging
Further Development of TSAAC Program
October 18, 2005
President Bush recently signed into law a homeland security spending bill that includes language encouraging the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) to move forward on development of the Transportation Security Administration Access Certificate
(TSAAC), a voluntary general aviation security program. "TSAAC strikes the right balance between freedom of mobility and
homeland security, and NBAA thanks leaders in Congress for recognizing its importance," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
"Now that the President has signed the homeland security spending bill into law, TSAAC will hopefully move a step closer
to becoming reality for the business aviation community, and enhancing aviation security. NBAA will continue to work with
members of Congress and federal security officials to move the program forward." More.
TSA and NBAA to Expand General Aviation Security Partnership
Program
December 30, 2004
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and NBAA are continuing their successful partnership to further enhance
the Transportation Security Administration Access Certificate (TSAAC), a pilot program providing corporate aircraft operators
with a TSA-approved security program. There are over 10,000 registered business aircraft operators in the United States.
The TSAAC provides standardized security procedures and best practices for personnel, facilities, aircraft and in-flight
operations of business operators who on a voluntary basis will help extend TSA oversight. For more information, download
the TSA press release (37KB, PDF).
| 
