First, First, Here’s some information about the, General Aviation Coalition (GAC). The 2004 Presidential Campaign should not prompt a proliferation of pop-up 30-nautical-mile temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) for presidential and vice presidential candidates, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said during a November 20th meeting with members of the General Aviation Coalition (GAC).

Acting TSA Administrator Steve McHale explained that as head of the national command structure the president is treated differently than anybody else, and that the vice president, might be a better model of how TSA might deal with candidates. Typically, a 3-mile TFR follows the vice president, and the GAC continues to press for reduced TFRs and timelier advance warning to pilots when they do occur.

GAC members, also expressed dismay over a recent General Accounting Office (GAO) report to Congress about General Aviation Security, which was a poor representation of the situation because it doesn’t recognize General Aviation’s considerable post 9/11 efforts to improve security and prevent unauthorized GA aircraft use.

Extensive security recommendations are spelled out in the recently submitted Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) General Aviation Airport Security Working Group final report, will be covered in the next few paragraphs. That report is key to TSA’s long range GA security strategic plan currently in early development.

The meeting marked the end of EAA President Tom Poberezny’s two-year tenure as GAC chairman. Beginning in January 2004, the chair transfers to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and its president Ed Bolen.

Secondly, In its 17-page final report, the Aviation Security Advisory Committee’s (ASAC) General Aviation Security Working Group adopts a flexible, best-practices approach rather than imposing regulations based on airport category on the more than 18,000 diverse U.S. GA landing facilities.

A member of the working group, EAA Vice President of Government Relations Doug Macnair explained that categorizing GA airports to apply different security protocols was not a practical way to enhance security. The working group instead recommends the model used by the Homeland Security National Response Plan: provide a process that local airports could engage in with local resources to develop procedures appropriate to their facility and community. No unfunded government mandates are recommended.

The working group report makes a number of recommendations for airport operators to enhance security measures that are already in place. They focus on the following: Personnel (passengers, pilots, students, flight schools, and transient pilots); Aircraft (securing aircraft); Airports/Facilities (vehicle access, lighting, hangars, and signs); Surveillance (airport community watch program and law enforcement officer support); Security Plans & Communications; and Specialty Operations such as agricultural aircraft operations.

“These are all best practices, not requirements,”Macnair said.” “Airports and their communities can draw from this menu of suggestions to gain insight into what measures can be appropriately and cost-effectively implemented to enhance security at their facilities.”

The working group included representatives from nine other organizations, several state aeronautics divisions and airport managers, as well as TSA and FAA. Working Group organizations intend to work with TSA to distribute the recommendations to state aviation agencies and airport operators and businesses.

Thirdly, Here’s an update Concerning Missouri Legislation. The Missouri State Senate has adjourned and will reconvene at 4:00 P.M. Monday January 12, 2004.

The Missouri House of Representatives has no Airports or Aviation Bills on its current calendar either. Nothing more to report at this time concerning Missouri Legislation.

Now, In Conclusion, Remember, we as MPA, USPA, EAA, AOPA, or any other State Pilot Associations, that you may be a Member of, we all have a powerful voice in numbers, be it here in Missouri, or whatever State you represent. Because every Group carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C.

So, Let’s not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a “Difference for General Aviation.”

Until Next Time!