But It's Severely Limited In Scope And Nature

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) formally announced today that an interim final rule will be published in the next several days authorizing resumption of limited, tightly screened general aviation flight operations at Washington's Reagan National Airport for the first time since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey and TSA Administrator David Stone briefed a select group of aviation associations and other interested parties concerning today's formal announcement that cracks open the door to limited GA operations, after 3 1/2 years.
The final rule will authorize 48 daily slots-24 landings and 24 departures-during 12 hours, or approximately four per hour. These flights are heavily restricted and operators will be required to apply for a DCA Standards Security Program from TSA. Elements of the program include background checks for flight crews and submission of crew and passenger manifests at least 24 hours prior to flight.

In addition, each inbound flight will be required to emanate from or land at one of 12 gateway airports for screening of flight crews, baggage, and passengers, and a search of the aircraft. Perhaps most difficult of all, an approved armed law enforcement officer will be required to accompany all DCA-bound aircraft. Fees will be charged for this process.
Flights could resume in as little as 90 days from the publication of the interim final rule. A 90-day public comment period will also accompany the publication of the rule.

DCA was shut down for 23 days following September 11. Since reopening, only regularly scheduled airlines, some government flight operations and law enforcement aircraft have been allowed to operate there, along with a very few waivers for special flights.

Under the final rule, GA flight operations at DCA will be suspended if the terror threat status increases to orange or red for either the National Capital Region or the region from which an inbound flight emanates.

The effort to gain restricted access to DCA has been led by the National Business Aviation Association with the support of numerous aviation organizations. While the primary beneficiaries of this program will be business aviation and charters, it represents an important milestone in regaining access to an airport that was believed by many to be permanently closed to general aviation.

FMI: www.tsa.gov