Appendix C
Actions Nonfederal Stakeholders Have Taken

The following actions taken by nonfederal stakeholders are summarized from the Aviation Security Advisory Committee Working Group 2003 report:16

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

AOPA developed a nationwide aviation watch system, the Airport Watch Program, which allows the Nation’s 550,000 pilots to use a TSA- supported centralized toll-free hotline to report and act on information provided by GA pilots and other individuals at airports. The Airport Watch Program includes warning signs for airports, informational literature, and a training videotape to educate pilots and airport employees about ways to enhance the security of their airports and aircraft.

Airports and Airport Tenants

Many airports and individual airport tenants have already implemented security enhancements in addition to the aforementioned Airport Watch Program. Such initiatives include installing alarm systems; controlling access; and monitoring and improving gates, fencing, and lighting. Some airports are also experimenting with new technologies in security monitoring, surveillance, and access control, including Wi-Fi—wireless fidelity communications—and sophisticated target acquisition software programs.

American Association of Airport Executives

The American Association of Airport Executives, General Aviation Airport Security Task Force, delivered a set of eight recommendations to TSA in June 2002. The recommendations were developed by establishing categories of airports based on runway length and number of based aircraft. Recommendations included establishing a threat communication system, developing a new pilot license, securing aircraft, and expanding the FAA contract tower program.

Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association mobilized its network of nearly 1,000 chapters nationwide to improve security at many of the Nation’s airports through increased knowledge and vigilance. Airport Watch distributed videotapes and other educational materials concerning security practices and airspace restrictions nationwide. In addition, updated Notices to Airmen are provided near-real-time to pilots via the association’s website and direct e-mail, to warn of security-sensitive areas and airport closures. The Experimental Aircraft Association has led the development of new sport pilot and light sport aircraft regulations, which will help to improve security by registering with the FAA an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 previously unregistered ultralight training aircraft and certifying a similar number of ultralight pilots and instructors who heretofore had not been part of the FAA certification process.

General Aviation Coalition (no longer active)

In December 2001, the General Aviation Coalition issued a series of 12 recommendations for GA security. The government and the GA community have implemented many of them.

General Aviation Manufacturers Association

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is working to help aircraft sellers identify unusual financial transactions that could indicate attempts to launder money via the purchase of aircraft, or otherwise suspicious customer behavior. The publication titled “Guidelines for Establishing Anti-Money Laundering Procedures and Practices Related to the Purchase of General Aviation Aircraft” was developed in consultation with manufacturers, aviation finance companies, used aircraft brokers, and fractional ownership companies.

Helicopter Association International

The Helicopter Association International (HAI) significantly enhanced its efforts to keep members informed of developing security issues. HAI made changes to its website by including a separate, clearly marked “Security Issues” link on its homepage, links to the FAA’s Notices to Airmen website, other pages that have graphical depictions of Temporary Flight Restrictions, and links to various federal agency organizational charts and new, pertinent rules and regulations. HAI has coordinated a number of issues with security officials, including alternate means of compliance with the Twelve-Five Rule for firefighting and offshore operations, discrete transponder codes for electronic news-gathering helicopters that allow certain operations within the FRZ and waivers for flying over sporting events, utility patrol requirements, and heliport security.17 Additionally, HAI is developing a Call-When-Needed program to provide a nationwide resource of prevetted pilots and prescreened
aircraft with a broad range of capabilities that can respond to natural disasters or security-related events.

National Agricultural Aircraft Association

The National Agricultural Aircraft Association has produced an educational program called the Professional Aerial Applicators Support System that includes a new educational portion every year, specifically addressing security of aerial application or crop-dusting operations. The Professional Aerial Applicators Support System program annually reaches roughly 2,000 people. It is presented at state and regional agricultural aviation association meetings throughout the country. In addition, National Agricultural Aircraft Association members have undergone several industry-wide Federal Bureau of Investigations background investigations since September 11, 2001.

National Air Transportation Association

On September 24, 2001, the National Air Transportation Association issued a series of recommended security procedures for all aviation businesses through its Business Aviation Security Task Force. The recommendations focused on immediate steps that should be taken, as well as longer term actions. Examples included improving signage, appointing a single manager responsible for security at each location, developing a security mission statement, verifying identification, and seeking local law enforcement assistance to develop security plans. In addition, an advisory poster was created and distributed free to all National Air Transportation Association members.

National Association of Flight Instructors

The National Association of Flight Instructors, an affiliate of the Experimental Aircraft Association, has developed a series of security recommendations and best practices for flight schools and flight instructors that have been distributed widely throughout the flight training community. Currently, the National Association of Flight Instructors is working in cooperation with TSA to develop training materials and distribution methods to support flight school security awareness training.

National Association of State Aviation Officials

In December 2002, the National Association of State Aviation Officials submitted to federal and state authorities a document outlining GA security recommendations, which included securing unattended aircraft, developing a security plan, and establishing a means to report suspicious
activity. In addition, it recommends that airports establish a public awareness campaign, perform regular inspection of airport property, and control movement of persons and vehicles in the aircraft operating area. The state aviation officials suggested that federal authorities implement a new pilot ID, establish a government watch list to verify the identity of persons requesting flight lessons, implement a process for categorizing airports, and ensure adequate federal funding for airport security.

National Business Aviation Association

TSA launched a pilot project in cooperation with the National Business Aviation Association at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. TSA has expanded the project to include Part 91 operators—operations involving small noncommercial aircraft—based at Morristown, New Jersey, and White Plains, New York. This initiative is proceeding as a proof of concept validating a National Business Aviation Association proposed security protocol for Part 91 operators who can apply for a TSA Access Certificate. The TSA Access Certificate allows operators to operate internationally without the need for a waiver. TSA is also considering granting access for TSA Access Certificate holders to designate temporary flight restrictions.

United States Parachute Association

The United States Parachute Association disseminated detailed security recommendations to its 219 skydiving clubs and centers across the United States, most of them based on GA airports. Skydive operators and their customers are often in airports during days and hours when others are not, and can enhance any airport watch program. Other recommendations were aimed at ensuring security of jump aircraft during operations as well as when aircraft are idle.

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