Take A Letter...

Representative John Mica (R-FL), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, sent a letter on June 22 to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge urging the quick and efficient transfer of responsibility for background checks for aliens seeking flight training in the US from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Section 612 of the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, enacted last December, required the TSA to promulgate a rule within 60 days of the law's enactment that would arrange for the transfer of flight training background checks from the DOJ to the TSA.

The rule would establish the new procedures to be required by the TSA. This deadline passed over 100 days ago with no action from either the DOJ or the TSA.

Last month, NATA president James K. Coyne met with Chairman Mica to discuss this issue.

"We are very appreciative of Chairman Mica's efforts to spur on both the DOJ and the TSA to complete the transfer outlined within Vision-100 so foreign flight training in this country can resume to the vibrant levels enjoyed prior to September 11th," Coyne stated. "As the Chairman astutely points out in this letter, the longer the delay in implementation of the TSA background check program, the more likely foreign students will head to other countries for training where 'less stringent safety and security practices' are incorporated."

FMI: Mica Letter