The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) has filed comments in opposition to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) proposed rule because it is “not in the public interest.”
NASAO also urged the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to retract the flawed rule in its entirety. NASAO further advocated the establishment of a TSA/industry rule-making committee, similar to those in place in other agencies including FAA.
“Our members-state government aviation officials-around the nation voiced universal concern that this well-meaning proposed rule will result in great damage to a vital form of transportation without enhancing security in any meaningful way,” said NASAO President and CEO Henry Ogrodzinski.
In comments filed separately:
The State of Colorado believes the proposed rule “Will have a devastating impact on the elements of the aviation industry the TSA is trying to secure and safeguard.”
The Commonwealth of Virginia said: “…the LASP proposal is far too broad in the scope of its reach, while at the same time not persuasive as to the security gain that might be achieved”…and, “We believe that the proposed NPRM [Notice of Proposed Rule Making] will unduly degrade the entire premise of the GA business model”.
In the State of Alaska, lawmakers are petitioning the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw this NPRM because it “risks destroying the entire rural Alaska aviation industry.”
In its own filing, NASAO endorsed the comments of other aviation associations, including the American Association of Airport Executives, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association and National Business Aviation Association, citing the unique perspective each association brought to its objection of the proposed rule.
“NASAO stands ready and willing to work with TSA to genuinely enhance security,” said Ogrodzinski. “We hope the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security will seriously consider establishing a rulemaking committee to propose and oversee measures to meet TSA’s objectives.”
NASAO’s complete comments may be read on its Website, www.nasao.org.
NASAO represents state government aviation agencies which serve the public interest in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.
For information: http://www.nasao.org.
