"Layered Approach" To Aviation Security Gets High Marks

The Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) has been studying proposals from the TSA to implement new regulations designed to enhance security of all cargo aircraft operations. The proposed regulations were published earlier this week.

Right now, most regional cargo aircraft already operate under TSA-approved security rules. These regulations, known as the "Twelve-Five" rule, govern the security of commercial aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or more, whether used to carry passengers, cargo, or a combination.

Among its other features, the "Twelve-Five" rule requires fingerprint-based criminal history background investigations for flight crew and checking passengers against the TSA's "no-fly" list.

The TSA's new proposals are focused on aircraft carrying only cargo. If implemented, they would require operators of aircraft weighing more than 100,309 pounds to comply with a new security program.

Realizing that all-cargo operations of smaller aircraft pose a much lesser threat, the TSA has developed a measured approach to match security requirements with the possible risks. "The TSA's proposed rule on all-cargo aircraft seeks to implement a layered approach to security, as was recommended in 2003 by the Aviation Security Advisory Committee," said RACCA president Stan Bernstein. "We appreciate that the agency recognizes that many operators of smaller aircraft used in all cargo operations are already complying with the TSA's 'Twelve-Five' rule and that these aircraft pose a much lower security threat than larger ones," he added.

The TSA has asked the public to comment on its new air-cargo security rules by January 10, 2005. RACCA will work with its membership, the TSA and other industry groups to develop detailed comments and suggestions for the agency. "We look forward to working with the agency to achieve what we know are the mutual goals of continuing to secure these aircraft and ensuring the flexibility of their operations," Bernstein said.

FMI: www.raccaonline.org