MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
January 2009

GREETINGS! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. United States Department of Homeland Security announces additional measures to strengthen private aircraft security by requiring more detailed information about arriving and departing private aircraft and persons onboard, within a timeframe necessary for the department to assess the risks that certain flights may pose to national security, according to DHS. The Advance Information on Private Aircraft Arriving and Departing the United States final rule expands on existing regulations and is part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen general aviation security.

"We're placing considerable emphasis on raising security in the general aviation sector," says Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "By getting basic electronic information in advance, like we do with commercial aircraft, we are able to substantially reduce vulnerability."

The final rule will require pilots of private aircraft to send U.S. Customs and Border Protection electronic manifest data relative to all people traveling onboard. The final rule has been sent to the Federal Register for publication and is currently available at www.cbp.gov.

Secondly, the Transportation Security Administration was urged not to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to aircraft security by essentially transferring measures used for airline security to business aviation. The first of a series of public hearings into Large Aircraft Security Program being proposed by the TSA was held in White Plains, New York and National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen said that hundreds people packed the meeting room with a consistent message to properly tailor security measures to the special considerations of business aircraft. Bolen stressed business aviation isn't trying to duck security measures and said General Aviation "takes a backseat to no one" in the implementation of effective programs, such as Airport Watch, which have been done at the initiative of the community and not at the bidding of the federal government.

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Note: Here's your web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

Note: Here's your web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

All other states should follow this same format, to search your specific state's aviation and airport bills.

Remember, that as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, IPA, EAA, AOPA, or other pilot associations of which you may be a member, we have a powerful voice, in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of taxpayers and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local level.
We need to learn how to use our voices, and speak up for general aviation.

So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."

SAFE FLYING!