A Facebook group called “Business Aircraft Owners and Pilots Against the LASP” has been formed to help fight the TSA’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP), which would affect general aviation aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds. More than 100 members had joined the group at press time. The group’s landing page contains resources about LASP and how to fight the proposal.
For information:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52226508223
My name is Julie Fetcko. My husband and I own and fly a 1951 Grumman Albatross which has a max gross weight of 33,500 lbs. Because of the weight of our aircraft we would fall subject to the Proposed Large Aircraft Security Program. John & I have invested eleven years of our lives and our own funds into the restoration of this historic amphibious aircraft. We have traveled extensively sharing our aircraft with the public at air shows, airports, and lakes across the United States. It is a pleasure to fly and share this aircraft with the public. Our aircraft is always well received and appreciated by all. With our aircraft’s history of air sea rescue of our downed pilots during past wars, the Albatross has saved many lives of those who were on the front lines in their service of our country. I have had a rescued pilot kiss the side of my aircraft and break into tears as he told me that the sight of the airplane at the show that day was as beautiful as the day he had been rescued. John and I live at a private airpark in a rural area and keep our airplane there as well. The involvement of third part auditors, security program training and approval, and third party watch list checking firms would be logistically impossible and cost prohibitive. It wold be the end of the enjoyment and sharing of our aircraft. Our investment in this aircraft would be diminished. Including Historic Aircraft as part of the Large Aircraft Security Program would result in the end of the preservation and sharing of our aviation history by private individuals. It is extremely disheartening that those of us with the largest investment in our passion for aviation and the preservation of our aviation history would be the ones penalized and/or encumbered. This whole program is being based on speculation that “terrorists may view general aviation aircraft as more vulnerable and thus attractive targets.” Please do not allow speculation on terrorist activities to be used to take away my liberties. Please extend the comment period and hold public hearings to evaluate the impact and interpretation of this proposed ruling.