NATA, AAAA Applaud Amended Security Rules.

The National Air Transport Association (NATA), and the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA), have joined the chorus of praise for passage of the amendment to the TSA reauthorization bill offered by Congressman John Mica (R-FL) and others to further study GA security rules at airports.

Mica was joined by Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO), Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), and Tom Petri (R-WI) in successfully offering an amendment to H.R. 2200 that requires the TSA to go through the federal rulemaking process after a security directive (SD) has gone into effect for more than 180 days.

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President James K. Coyne stated, "General aviation businesses welcome the increase in funding for general aviation security grants while strengthening our nation's transportation security." 

"The Mica-Petri-Graves' Ehlers' amendment is intended to balance risk mitigation, industry impact, and appropriate public review after a recent SD was issued by TSA to expand airport security credentialing requirements at commercial airports even though the TSA concluded that little evidence existed requiring immediate attention on general aviation," Coyne concluded. "NATA welcomes the approval of the Mica-Petri-Graves' Ehlers' amendment to H.R. 2200 and thanks the amendment sponsors for their support on this important issue."

AAAA said in a statement: "We applaud the House of Representatives for adopting this important measure.  Our members have worked closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies to help develop security measures to protect our country and ensure the safety of our transportation system.  This amendment will allow the TSA to respond to imminent threats while providing the flexibility to develop effective policies and a public review process.  We look forward to continuing to work with the TSA and Congress to ensure that we are protecting our nation against security threats."

FMI: http://www.aviationacrossamerica.org/, http://www.nata.aero/