General Aviation Penalties
Posted originally to Dave Farber's List
From: Mikki Barry
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 10:08:03 -0500
To:
Subject: Re: IP: more on Public anger on the rise over airport searches
I'm sorry to say that you shouldn't expect a private pilot license to
substantially change things. Currently, general aviation pilots are the
latest scapegoats in a society that attempts to restrict the instrumentality
of a crime rather than the crime itself. In this case, the instrumentality
was too powerful (the airline industry) therefore they are going after those
who have less money, organization, or ability to lobby.
In Maryland, a group of legislators attempted to pass a bill that would have
mandated full FBI background checks and fingerprinting for anyone receiving
broadly defined "aviation instruction." The sponsor withdrew the bill when
enough general aviation pilots wrote to complain, giving us one victory
thusfar. Other states are right behind in attempting to further regulate
this "dangerous industry." Three airports near Washington, DC including the
oldest continually operating airport in the United States are closed to all
but pilots who were based there prior to 9/11 who have gone through full
background checks, fingerprinting, and special security briefings and
procedures. No other pilots may visit these airports.
While you study for your private pilot certificate, don't make the mistake
of identifying yourself as a pilot in any way at a commercial airport or you
may face further scrutiny than other passengers. One flight student who
attempted to read his private pilot study guide on an aircraft was escorted
off and back to the gate by the air marshal. Seems he had an accent. That
plus a desire to be a pilot made him a "threat." The accent was Israeli,
but that didn't dissuade the marshal.
Federal officials have made statements that they wish to use the background
check/fingerprinting as a template for all general aviation activities.
There is currently a public comment period for objections to the current
security plan in place at College Park, Potomac, and Hyde fields near
Washington. The information can be found at http://dms.dot.gov./search/
The docket number is 11580.
No other means of transportation has been subjected to the scrutiny that
general aviation has since 9/11. No other population of American citizens
has been subjected to these types of regulatory procedures to access their
own property or public facilities since 9/11. And now, the vast majority of
that population is no longer allowed to enjoy some of those public
facilities for which we contribute tax dollars because of an unnamed
perceived threat.