General Aviation Manufacturers Association chief executive Pete Bunce says proposed new security rules revealed by theUS Transportation Security Administration this week could levy "some very burdensome requirements" on operators of general aviation aircraft with a maximum take-off weight greater than 5,670kg (12,500lb) without providing "commensurate security benefits to an already secure industry".
The so-called "twelve-five" rule would complement existing TSA rules that require operators of Part 135 aircraft weighing more than 5,670kg to comply with certain standards including criminal records checks and fingerprinting for staff.
The proposed large aircraft security programme would require US operators to implement security programmes that would be subject to compliance audits by the TSA and to verify that passengers are not listed on the government's no-fly list or selected portions of the "consolidated terrorist watch list".
Other measures include fingerprint-based criminal history record checks for flightcrews, the introduction of designated security co-ordinators and validation of property on board for unauthorised persons and accessible weapons.
Source: Flight International
