Private Aircraft Could Face New Security Regulations From The Transportation Safety Administration

The New York Times reports on concerns that The Transportation Safety Administration could impose new security regulations on private air travelers and pilots with The Large Aircraft Security Program.

According to the story, the regulations would be similar to those for commercial aircraft, ranging from fingerprint-based background checks to restrictions to which items passengers could carry.

The regulations would be based on the weight of the aircraft, affecting planes that weigh more than 12,500 pounds. Many of the planes in that weight range are jet aircraft, but that also includes some larger propeller planes.

AOPA Online reports on a January 6 hearing in Washington DC where pilots spoke out against the program. Opponents of the plan suggest there are better ways to protect the public without new and cumbersome regulations that would hurt the aviation business.

Source: The New York Times and AOPA Online