TSA Roadshow Continues To Draw Criticism From Every Side

Another in a series of meetings held by the Transportation Security Administration to listen to public response on the proposed Large Aircraft Security Program was held last week at the Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, NY.

"The TSA is looking at addressing the risks associated with general aviation," TSA spokesman Michal Morgan said before the meeting. "That includes the use of aircraft as a weapon or as a conveyance mechanism for dangerous materials."

The TSA predicts that expanding its oversight from 650 to over 10,000 operators will cost $196 million a year, with 86 percent of the financial burden to fall on the affected plane owners.

The New York Times reported that during the forum, over 60 pilots, executives, and spokespersons for the GA community expressed their thoughts on the implementation of the proposed regulations - all negative.

Jeff Lee, corporate pilot and president of the Westchester Aviation Association, said, "We've seen in Iraq that a Toyota packed with explosives can be an effective terror tool; the question is what will be the likelihood of that happening? This proposal does not truly enhance the nation's security."

Hapco Farms pilot Sally Pezza said, "I've been flying for this company for 23 years; we fly the same people to the same places. We're solid American citizens. It's so ridiculous, we're speechless."

Hapco has utilized business aircraft for 45 years, saving traveling company executives time and money in the process. But adding up the costs the new regulations would impose, Pezza was uncertain whether maintaining a corporate jet would remain cost-effective.

"It's going to cost me $10,000-plus to get some guy to put this program together and X amount of dollars for FBI fingerprint checks," Pezza said. "Another X for the security audit, X for each passenger to be approved by the TSA for each flight. It's just too much."

FMI: www.tsa.gov