WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2009 – In comments filed today on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) proposal to create a Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) for private flying, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) again called on the TSA to create a dedicated rulemaking group to further develop the proposal.

"We are more than willing to work with the TSA to develop a common-sense approach to further enhance general aviation security," said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. "However, the TSA’s current proposal completely misses the mark by not differentiating private air transportation from commercial operations."

GAMA has joined with virtually every general aviation organization in vigorously requesting a dedicated security rulemaking committee be formed to provide general aviation expertise to the TSA. The absence of a realistic estimate of the tremendous costs this proposal imposes on general aviation operators, the jobs that will be adversely affected by the imposition of this proposal, and the ultimate negative impact on the U.S. economy greatly concerns the entire general aviation industry.

"We have repeatedly told the TSA that their proposal is the most significant and extensive regulatory change on the operation of general aviation airplanes that has ever been proposed,” said Bunce. “This kind of proposal warrants the same collaborative approach the Federal Aviation Administration uses in aviation rulemaking. A  committee will ensure that security vulnerabilities specific to general aviation are addressed in the most safe, practical and efficient way possible."

GAMA’s comments can be accessed on the public docket and also downloaded from the association’s website at:  http://www.gama.aero/advocacy/issues/security/large-aircraft-security-program