Critics Foresee Another 9/11 If Security Isn't Tightened

Scheduled charters and air taxis are being blasted by critics, who say they fly under the radar of the Transportation Security Administration and the FAA, exploiting huge security loopholes and posing a threat to homeland security.

The beef is over scheduled charters and air taxis that fall below the TSA's 12-5 rule. It says companies that operate aircraft with take-off weights under 12,500 pounds are exempt from most security regulations.

But that's not enough for critics like George Williams. The former director of the FAA's Western Regional Air Traffic Division, Williams is now an aviation consultant in Phoenix (AZ). He tells the Arizona Republic, "You don't have to have a 737 to make a big bang."

Williams says some airports allow charter companies to operate in their main terminals, alongside commercial traffic. Passengers who fly such charters don't have to undergo preflight screening. Their bags aren't checked by security personnel or bomb-sniffing dogs. They can basically just walk up to the counter, purchase a ticket and walk onto an aircraft with little more than a perfunctory check by the flight crew.

"I think the TSA could be more helpful and not just discount the risk, especially since Arizona has the border so close," says aviation consultant David Forbes.

Here's the funny part. In this case, the TSA is the voice of moderation.

"What has been determined is that larger aircraft that weigh more and carry more fuel pose a much higher risk," says TSA regional spokesman Michael Fierberg in an interview with the Republic.

AOPA spokesman Jeff Myers agrees. "You can rent cars and all kinds of things that are potential weapons. I believe there is an emotional overload when it comes to airplanes of any kind whether it's a 172 or 767. This is not fair," he tells the Republic.

But others aren't at all sure that scheduled charter companies should be exempted, even if they tout voluntary security measures that go beyond government requirements.

"I think the TSA is missing the boat," says John Hoeppner, an Arizona aviation enthusiast. "This is typical of the government waiting until something happens and then dealing with it."

FMI: www.tsa.gov