Resavage Points Out GA's Important Role

Helicopter Association International (HAI) President Roy Resavage submitted testimony to the House Aviation Subcommittee for the record concerning the re-opening of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to general aviation, including private and corporate aircraft. On Tuesday, Chairman John Mica (R-FL) held a field hearing at DCA's Signature Flight Support Services (general aviation terminal hangar 7). As ANN reported on Thursday, several industry groups offered their respective testimony on the subject.

Authorization from the federal government to resume private and corporate aircraft operations at DCA has been a priority of HAI since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 when the prohibition was placed in effect. As a member of the General Aviation Coalition, HAI has worked to address and meet the security concerns of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Secret Service, and Congress.

Mr. Resavage's testimony pointed out the fact that "no general aviation aircraft, including helicopters, have been used as weapons by a terrorist organization," yet numerous actions affecting general aviation have been taken by the federal government. Those actions include, advanced screening of pilot databases, the issuance of new airman certificates, a requirement for pilots to carry photo IDs, restrictions for foreign pilots, and background checks for certain flight training. His remarks submitted to the Aviation Subcommittee recognized "the unique challenges that must be considered when operating within the seat of our national government," and Mr. Resavage offered solutions to mitigate potential risks for the Subcommittee to consider.

On behalf of HAI member companies that formerly operated to and from DCA, HAI pledged the civil rotorcraft industry's cooperation in meeting and conforming to reasonable security requirements, including in-house security inspections, the verification of corporate flight crew and passenger manifests prior to departure from the point of origin, the conduct of flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), and the use of ADS-B technology to allow uninterrupted flight following.

HAI says a close working relationship exists between Roy Resavage and the House Aviation Subcommittee, and the organization will continue to represent the interests and concerns of the industry before Congress. More information on the outcome of the hearing will be posted on this website when the hearing has concluded. Contact Ann Carroll, Director of Legislative Affairs for additional information.

FMI: www.rotor.com