Three New 'Gateway' Airports Are 'A Positive Step' For General Aviation

NBAA is commending TSA officials for adding three new airports to the list of twelve already serving as "gateway" facilities that provide security checks to allow federally approved general aviation aircraft access into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

"The TSA's decision to expand the number of gateway airports for general aviation flights into DCA represents another positive step in restoring full access to the airport for our industry," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

"Safety and security are the top priorities for general aviation, and we remain committed to working with TSA officials to find appropriate, workable measures that provide both security and access to the airport."

The TSA's new gateway airports include Dallas/Love Field Airport, Memphis International Airport and Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport. Facilities already serving as gateway airports include Seattle-Tacoma, in Washington; Boston Logan, in Massachusetts; Houston Hobby, in Texas; White Plains and LaGuardia, in New York; Chicago Midway, in Illinois; Minneapolis/St. Paul, in Minnesota; West Palm Beach, in Florida; San Francisco, in California; Teterboro Airport, in New Jersey; Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania; and Lexington, in Kentucky.

While Bolen welcomed the added DCA entry points for general aviation aircraft, he noted that the overall procedure required for the aircraft to access the airport remains prohibitive, and even unworkable, for most business aircraft operators.

"NBAA will continue working with federal security officials to add to the number of gateway airports for DCA, and to develop more manageable requirements for approving general aviation flights into the airport," Bolen said.

"But NBAA views today's announcement from the TSA as another milestone on the path toward restoring full access to the Washington region for general aviation aircraft operators."

FMI: www.nbaa.org