The Australian Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has complained to the government about stringent new aviation security measures that will require the country's 30,000-plus licensed pilots to pay for their own security checks and install anti-theft devices on general aviation aircraft.
The new security measures announced late last year affect all aspects of aviation, but AOPA argues that those applied to GA are a "major misdirection of valuable security resources" as GA aircraft do not pose a security threat.
The measures, which are even stricter than those implemented in the USA, require all pilots and trainee pilots to undergo background checks before being issued with new photographic ID licences by 1 July. The cost of these checks and the photographic licences - A$200 ($150) every two years - will be borne by the pilots.
In addition, aircraft operators will have to implement measures to reduce the risk of theft of their aircraft, for example fitting auxiliary locks to propellers or propeller controls, securing aircraft in hangars or fitting door locks. Security investigators will audit compliance and conduct random checks.
Pilots of sports aircraft and ultralights are not included.
The country's pilots have reacted angrily and accuse the government of trying to boost its revenues from the measures.
Source: Flight International
