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One of the primary goals of the Centennial Airport Business Association (CABA) is to provide real time alerts and urgent communications to our membership and the local aviation community we serve. With that in mind please read the following important communication below:
It has come to our attention that as of December 20, 2008 the Transportation Security Association (TSA) has started to conduct security interrogations at general aviation airports using a newly implemented program called "Playbook". Unannounced, the TSA set up a table at the entrances of FBOs at the Bedford, MA and Nashville, TN airports early in the morning to conduct security interrogations of the FBO, aircraft, pilots and passengers. As FBO employees reported for work, TSA agents checked credentials, frisked employees, and searched the FBO premises and aircraft. Similarly, pilots and departing passengers were also frisked and pilot's required to open their aircraft to security inspections. We have also learned that the TSA will not only be checking transient general aviation at FBOs, but that they also intend to conduct these security interrogations at private hangars and flight operations.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) was told by TSA attorneys that the "Playbook" security interrogations were beyond the authority of the TSA Regional Offices. When the NBAA asked for a copy of the "Playbook," TSA officials declined. NBAA has learned that further TSA interrogations under the "Playbook" program are scheduled to be conducted at Dallas, TX Part 139 airports soon. It should be noted that even though at this point only Part 139 airports have been targeted, operators should expect the TSA to include reliever airports like Centennial and Rocky Mountain Metro under the "Playbook" program.
These new TSA tactics seem to be stemming from the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP). As we have reported in previous email alerts, the TSA has a Notice of Proposed Rule Making(NPRM) out for comment on the LASP. Understanding this and the new information at hand, it is even more clearly imperative that we all take the time to write our comments and post them to the NPRM. We are waiting to see if the NBAA will open a link for comment on the new "Playbook" program. In the meantime, please use the link below for comment on the NPRM. We have also provided a link to the NBAA's dedicated LASP NPRM page. Additionally CABA, the Centennial Airport Pilot's Lunch, and the NBAA are working to put together a town meeting on February 10th, 2009 to discuss the LASP NPRM and the additional new issues at hand. Please stay tuned to CABA's website or become a member for the latest information on that meeting.
It seems the TSA is actively trying to get its arms around and strangle general aviation. It's up to us as operators, businesses, and aviation professionals to make sure that our industry remains viable, safe, and secure from these looming threats.
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