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GAMA Testifies on General Aviation Security at House Hearing

GAMA NEWS 09-19 For Immediate Release: Jul 15, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC, July 15, 2009 – Testifying today before the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, Chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the President and CEO of Jeppesen, Mark Van Tine, expressed that if the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), industry, and Congress work together on general aviation security issues, an effective security system can be put in place that does not inhibit the freedom people enjoy today to use general aviation aircraft.
 
In his remarks, Van Tine emphasized that since September 11, 2001, the general aviation community has worked diligently to increase security and awareness of threats to the aviation system. This effort has led to the development and implementation of over a dozen mandatory and voluntary security programs.  

He also specifically addressed two major recent security issues affecting general aviation.  The first was the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) proposed in October 2008.  “The general aviation community does not oppose enhancing security,” said Van Tine.  “However, we believe that the notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) was unnecessarily burdensome and did not reflect an adequate understanding of general aviation operations.”
 
He commended the TSA for its commitment to reworking the initial NPRM and considering concerns and suggestions from stakeholders which will lead to a more practical and effective approach to general aviation security.  

Van Tine also spoke about the TSA’s use of security directives to circumvent the normal rulemaking process.  “We have seen the TSA repeatedly use security directives to vastly expand existing security requirements without consideration of the implementation challenges, operational impacts and economic burdens these mandates impose on the aviation industry.  GAMA strongly supported an amendment offered by Congressman Mica (R-FL) to the TSA Authorization Act, which would require the agency to initiate a rulemaking process for security directives six months after implementation unless there is an emergency situation.  We supported this amendment because it struck the right balance between national security and due process,” said Van Tine.

View the full testimony at:  http://www.gama.aero/node/9058
 

Communications Director:
Andre Castro: acastro@gama.aero
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
www.GAMA.aero
Headquarters: (+1) 202-393-1500
European Office: (+32) 2 550-3900

GAMA exists to foster and advance the general welfare, safety, interests, and activities of the global business and general aviation industry. This includes promoting a better understanding of general aviation manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul and the important role these industry segments play in economic growth and opportunity, and in serving the critical transportation needs of communities, companies, and individuals worldwide.