The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed last week that it will expand its Transportation Security Administration Access Certificate (TSAAC) program, which grants increased access to airspace and airports for Part 91 business aviation operators who meet TSA security standards. The concept was tested with 24 operators at Teterboro, N.J.; White Plains, N.Y.; and Morristown, N.J. “Participants at those airports support the TSAAC procedures,” said Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). The TSAAC provides standardized security procedures for personnel, facilities, aircraft and in-flight operations. “This program will further enhance aviation security by helping general aviation operators implement new security measures, such as background checks on flight crews and third party screening of passengers,” said Rear Adm. David Stone, TSA chief. The TSA and NBAA are partnering together to roll out the TSAAC to additional airports this year and continue to evaluate and determine the benefits provided to TSAAC holders. In its initial phase, the program enabled operators to fly internationally without having to pass through one of eight “portal” countries. If an operator holding a TSAAC wants to fly directly from Teterboro to Paris, they may do so without having to apply for a waiver, the NBAA said. There are over 10,000 registered business aircraft operators in the U.S., the TSA said.
