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Debates about stricter Private Jet security

Due to rising concerns about terrorism, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is drafting a security proposal that includes screening corporate jets and crews before take-off.

The security proposal has already received more than 7,000 formal comments, most of these coming from unhappy stakeholders in the industry. 

The EAA says that the TSA is perceived as a “major threat to the privilege of operating aircraft in the United States.” The company said, “If enacted, the group contends, the regulation eventually would apply to all general aviation aircraft, even planes less than 12,500 pounds.” 

“For the first time in American history, citizens would have to seek and receive government approval before each use of their personal vehicles to travel about the country,” the EAA explained. 

“The agency’s categorical refusal to disclose essential documents violates all reasonable principles and processes in government for sound rule-making policy,” said Ed Bolen, president and chief executive of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
Included in the security draft is a list of 80 prohibited items, including tools and products produced by companies that own jets.  

Bolen argues, “It really makes no sense for a company sending a team of employees to fix a problem with one of their assembly lines not to be able to access their tools in flight. Nor does it make sense for a sporting -goods manufacturer not to be given access to their products in flight as they try to prepare for a sales presentation.”