WASHINGTON, DC, May 17, 2004 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) applauded today’s release of general aviation security guidelines by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This "Information Publication", released today after months of industry working with the TSA, is designed to establish non-regulatory guidelines for general aviation airport security.

"The release of this publication reflects a growing realization that information is a primary weapon in the war on terrorism. TSA understands that the best security practices come from working with people in the field. By working cooperatively with industry in an information sharing environment, we have done far more today than would have been accomplished by either the TSA or industry working alone," said GAMA President & CEO Ed Bolen.

The Information Publication includes general aviation security recommendations for pilots and their aircraft, airports, surveillance, security plans, and specialty operations. The document also provides a tool for assessing the security needs of airports based on the characteristics of each individual airport, allowing for airport owners and managers to produce tailored security programs appropriate for their facilities.

The Information Publication is based on last year’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee’s (ASAC) General Aviation Airport Security Working Group, co-chaired by GAMA and available on the GAMA web site at www.GAMA.aero.