Less threatening is an amendment calling for a government study of GA security, proposed by Senators Hillary R. Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.). The study would examine the potential for GA aircraft to be used as weapons against high-risk sites and would check the overall security of GA airports. It would also assess what technology is available to easily track GA aircraft and prevent aircraft theft. “We would welcome an unbiased study,” Boyer said, “because we are convinced from our own independent research that within the list of risks and threats to the American population, GA will rank very low.” Boyer’s assessment seems to be in line with that of Michael Chertoff, who took over the Department of Homeland Security in February. Yesterday, Chertoff announced a restructuring of the DHS, and said his own research has shown that the department’s main priority should be to prevent potentially catastrophic events such as nuclear, chemical or biological attacks. GA does not appear to be high on his agenda.
…And Calls For Further Study
Key Takeaways:
- Senators Clinton and Durbin proposed a government study to assess General Aviation (GA) security, including the potential for GA aircraft to be used as weapons, overall GA airport security, and available tracking technology.
- The GA industry welcomes this proposed study, confident that independent research will show GA ranks very low on the list of threats to the American population.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff's own research also suggests GA is not a high priority, with the department focusing instead on preventing potentially catastrophic nuclear, chemical, or biological attacks.
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