Fri, Sep 24, 2004
FAA Would Have Six Months To Licenses With Photos
The Senate Commerce
Committee Wednesday approved and sent to the full Senate a bill
that would give the FAA six months to issue new pilot certificates
that include photo identification. AOPA has long advocated for such
a move but believes that the six-month time frame for
implementation is unrealistic.
AOPA worked closely with the committee, including the senior
minority member, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), to make sure pilots
would not have only one option — the closest flight standards
district office (FSDO) — for having their pictures taken. The
bill would require the FAA to assign designees — most likely
aviation medical examiners (AMEs) — to take official
photos.
"The task is still a daunting one, and our goal is to make sure
that pilots don't face an inconvenience to have their pictures
taken," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The bottom line is that
Congress is forcing the FAA's hand on photo-ID pilot certificates,
which AOPA believes will be an enhancement."
The legislation would provide the FAA with $50 million to
develop and implement a photo ID for pilots that is resistant to
tampering, alteration, and counterfeiting. It would also include
biometric data or other unique identifiers to ensure
authenticity.
An additional security provision contained in the bill would
provide businesses that rent airplanes with indirect access through
the Transportation Security Administration to terrorist watch
lists. If they choose to do so, such businesses could investigate
potential renters.
"Our staff worked with the committee to ensure that this
provision is first implemented as a demonstration project and
reviewed prior to full implementation," concluded Boyer.
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