Those With SIDA Badges Can Expect To Be Questioned

If you have been issued a security identification display area (SIDA) badge or other airport-issued ID that gives you access to an air carrier airport, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association says you can expect airport staff to ask you for additional information, including proof of citizenship. You will need to provide this information in order to continue to have access to the airport.

"This is part of the Transportation Security Administration's ongoing effort to ensure safety and security at air carrier airports," said Rob Hackman, AOPA director of security and regulatory policy, "and is not specifically directed at general aviation. We have discussed our members' potential concerns about this procedure with the TSA and will continue to closely follow the implementation of this procedure to make sure it doesn't adversely affect pilots."

The administration is requiring those who already have these passes -- including airport employees, maintenance workers, and caterers, as well as GA pilots and aircraft owners -- to resubmit their personal information, along with proof of citizenship, to continue using their existing pass or to get a new one.

Proof of citizenship is the only new information pilots will need to provide. A passport or birth certificate accompanied by a government-issued photo ID (including a driver's license) are two examples.

AOPA says airports will collect this information for SIDA badges no later than February 1, 2007, and no later than March 1, 2007 for other airport-issued IDs.

FMI: www.tsa.gov, www.aopa.org