***Membership Update***
June 1, 2009
Last week the Transportation Security Administration(TSA) issued Security Directive (SD) 1542-04-08G as a revision to verison 08F. The compliance date for this directive was June 1, 2009. TSA has indicated that the revisions and clarifications contained in SD 1542-04-08G will address the concerns of the general aviation industry. Because the SD is classified as Sensitive Security Information (SSI), NATA has been unable to review the actual SD and remains concerned about potential issues arising as airports implement the directive.
In order to assist its ongoing efforts to change TSA policy and procedures concerning the issuance of security directives, the association is asking its membership to please contact NATA staff should any issues arise during the implementation of SD 1542-04-08G. NATA will utilize this feedback to address industry concerns and incidents related to the implementation of this SD directly with TSA officials. Providing first-hand compliance data to decision-makers at TSA will demonstrate that issuing wide-reaching regulatory changes via security directives, and thus excluding industry experts from participation, is both ineffective and causes damage to our industry.
NATA remains concerned that the TSA continues to issue security directives to promulgate regulations affecting a broad category of previously unregulated individuals. NATA understands the importance of not disclosing certain security procedures and policies; however, many of the mandates imposed by the latest security directives will be public knowledge upon their implementation, thus negating the importance of non-disclosure in their implementation.
Due to the large number, and varied interests, of the general aviation pilots, service providers and aircraft owners who will continue to be affected by the SD, NATA believes that it is imperative that the TSA approach the issue of securing the AOA of commercial airports by issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. By following this time-tested process of federal rulemaking, the TSA will allow those affected by the proposed rule to voice their concerns and suggestions on the best methods for securing the AOA.
If you encounter any issues relating to SD 1542-04-08G compliance, please contact:
Mike France
Manager of Regulatory Affairs
National Air Transportation Association
(800) 808-6282
mfrance@nata.aero