TSA Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Fleming told the Senate Commerce Committee last week that the strict security requirements that will be imposed on the owners of private aircraft using Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are a “basic starting point” and could be revised in the future. He didn’t say whether that means they might get even tougher but his comments came after several members of the committee complained that the security lid will keep out all but a few private operators. Anyone using DCA will have to have an armed law enforcement officer on board and go through a TSA security screening at a gateway airport before flying to Washington. Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) said the provisions are “just going to kill general aviation” because of the added costs. Fleming said DCA access is a work in progress. “We’ll continue to monitor it and make adjustments as necessary,” he said. The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has estimated the cost of the security arrangements at about $850 per flight, $700 for the officer and his or her return flight and $150 for a security processing fee. The TSA is now working on training and standards for the security screeners at the 12 gateway airports. Only 24 inbound and 24 outbound flights will be allowed each day to start.
Senate And TSA On DCA Security
Key Takeaways:
- TSA is implementing strict, potentially revisable security requirements for private aircraft at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), including an armed law enforcement officer onboard and gateway airport screening.
- These new measures, estimated at $850 per flight, are drawing criticism from committee members and general aviation groups for being excessively costly and restrictive, potentially deterring most private operators.
- Access to DCA for private aircraft will be initially limited to 24 inbound and 24 outbound flights daily, with TSA calling the current rules a "basic starting point" that could be adjusted in the future.
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