The Twelve-Five security standard for charter operators is to be applied to fractional ownership, the US Transportation Security Agency has told the Federal Aviation Administration. The decision clears a hurdle to final agreement between the USA and Europe on the regulation of fractional operations.
In a 17 October letter to FAA administrator Marion Blakey, the TSA says: “Because many fractional operators already comply with the Twelve-Five Standard Security Programme, we believe there is adequate justification to mandate that fractional owners comply with an approved security programme such as the Twelve-Five standard.”
The letter was in response to pressure from the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) for a definitive answer on how the security of fractionals will be governed, says Doug Carr, National Business Aviation Association vice-president of safety and regulation. “The issue of security for fractionals was raised by ECAC, which requested the TSA respond to its concerns,” he says.
While the FAA regulates fractionals as private aviation, under Part 91 Subpart K, most European states regard them as public transport. As an interim measure, to legalise US fractional operations into Europe, ECAC will recommend the short-term recognition of Subpart K (Flight International, 24-30 May).
Source: Flight International