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Security Programs and Initiatives

General Aviation

Overview | News and Events | Airspace Waivers Programs and Initiatives
Security Programs and Initiatives | Security Directives
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Photo of a Cessna cockpit while in flight.




Overview

TSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in October 2008,that would strengthen the security of general aviation by further minimizing the vulnerability of aircraft being used as weapons or to transport dangerous people or materials. The proposed regulation would reduce the susceptibility of large aircraft misuse by individuals wishing to harm the United States and its citizens.

The Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) regulation would require all U.S. operators of aircraft exceeding 12,500 pounds maximum take-off weight to implement security programs that would be subject to compliance audits by TSA. The proposed regulation would also require operators to verify that passengers are not on the No Fly and/or Selectee portions of the federal government's consolidated terrorist watch list.

The LASP would require currently unregulated general aviation operations over a specific weight threshold to adopt security measures, which would align these operations with operations currently regulated for security purposes. TSA continues to enhance international and domestic general aviation security by developing a comprehensive strategy to:

Click here to read LASP NPRM.

Secure Fixed Base Operator Program (SFBOP)

On Dec. 31, 2007, TSA launched, with industry partner Signature Flight Support, the Secure Fixed Base Operator Program (SFBOP) at Anchorage, Alaska, Shannon, Ireland and Le Bourget, France. The program is a public-private sector partnership program that will allow Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) to check passenger and crew identification against manifests or Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) filings for positive identification of passengers and crew onboard general aviation aircraft. Working in close coordination with industry partners, TSA believes that this security initiative will provide additional security for flights inbound to the United States. The agency is encouraged by the public/private sector partnership to improve security. The broader application of such programs will provide robust security while maintaining operational flexibility for general aviation operators.

Click here for SFBOP Frequently Asked Questions.

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DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP)

Click here to view the DASSP Gateway Airports.

TSA's Interim Final Rule (PDF 1.7 MB), which was developed in coordination with other Department of Homeland Security agencies and the Department of Defense, takes into consideration the special security needs of Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). Under TSA's security plan, 48 flights in and out of DCA will be allowed each day. All aircraft will be required to meet the security measures set forth in the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP), which include:

To apply for the DASSP program:

  1. Application: Download and print the FBO and Aircraft Operator Application (PDF, 38 KB) and Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) (PDF, 20 KB). The witness for the NDA may be whomever you choose. Fax both of these completed forms to Ada Johnson at 571-227-2948.
  2. Initial Inspection: Once TSA receives your FBO and Aircraft Operator Application and NDA, TSA headquarters will task an “initial outreach inspection” to the TSA office closest to your business. This visit is very informal and its purpose is solely to ensure the legitimacy of the applicant business. Note: The initial inspection is waived if the business applying is already an approved TSA security program holder.
  3. Compliance Inspection: Upon receiving results of the initial inspection from a TSA representative, TSA headquarters will send you the DCA Access Standard Security Program, along with several other guidance documents. Once you are confident your operation is compliant with the requirements of the program, contact the TSA General Aviation office at 571-227-2392 to request a DASSP compliance inspection. Compliance inspections are a thorough review of the applicant's training and compliance with the basic instruction, and typically take two-three hours. The inspection will be conducted by the TSA office nearest your business.
  4. Approval: The TSA inspector will inform TSA headquarters of satisfactory results of the compliance inspection. TSA headquarters will then email you informing you of your approval for the DASSP. Attached to that email will be electronic files containing details on planning DASSP flights.

For questions relating to the Armed Security Officer Program, please call Mr. David Wright at 703-563-3210 or contact the ASO program office by email at tsoc.aso@dhs.gov.

For questions relating to aircraft operations and fixed base operations, please contact Ada Johnson at 571-227-2392 or by email at Ada.Johnson@dhs.gov.

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Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP)

The Twelve-Five Standard Security Program requires that certain aircraft operators using aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off weight (MTOW) of 12,500 pounds or more carry out a security program. Operators were required to be in compliance with the program effective Apr. 1, 2003.

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Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP)

The Private Charter Standard Security Program is similar to the TFSSP but adds additional requirements for aircraft operators using aircraft with a MTOW of greater than 45,500 kg (100,309.3 pounds) or with a seating configuration of 61 or more. Operators were required to be in compliance with the program effective Apr.1, 2003.

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Maryland-Three Program

The Maryland-Three Program allows properly vetted private pilots to fly to, from, or between the three general aviation airports closest to the National Capital Region. These airports are collectively known as the "Maryland Three" airports, and include College Park Airport (CGS), Potomac Airfield (VKX) and Hyde Executive Field (W32.) These airports are all within the Washington, DC Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the Washington, D.C. Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ.)

The Maryland-Three Program allows properly vetted private pilots to fly to, from, or between the three general aviation airports closest to the National Capital Region.

An interim final rule, published in February 2005, opened the Maryland Three to transient pilots. Based aircraft had been permitted operations at these airports since 2002.

Flights in the Washington, DC ADIZ and FRZ are highly controlled. Complete familiarity with ALL pertinent regulations and NOTAMs pertaining to flying in the Washington, D.C. area is the responsibility of each pilot who wishes to fly in the vicinity. Several penalties can result from infractions committed in the Washington, D.C. ADIZ and FRZ.

All pilots wishing to operate in to or out of the Maryland Three must complete the process below.

Personal Identification Number Issuance:
To be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for aircraft operations to or from any of the Maryland Three airports, a pilot must follow these steps:

  1. Download and complete the PIN issuance form.
    • Check the appropriate box for the type of operation.
    • Complete all relevant applicant information. Mark all areas that are not applicable as "N/A".
  2. Visit the appropriate FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in order for the FAA to review/inspect your certificate(s).
  3. Visit the fingerprinting office located at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to be fingerprinted. Be sure to take an acceptable form of government issued photo identification. The representative at this location will then complete the appropriate sections of the PIN issuance form.
    • Acceptable forms of government issued photo I.D. include, but are not limited to:
      1. A drivers license issued by a U.S. State
      2. A U.S. passport
      3. A U.S. military ID
  4. After reviewing the security briefing material at the airport for which you are applying, complete the signature section of the PIN issuance form and return it to the Airport Security Coordinator (ASC). The ASC must also complete the ASC signature section.
  5. The application will be processed once the form is completed and received by TSA. Please note that applications that are not complete or do not contain the correct authorizing signatures may be returned.

* Only this TSA-approved form will be accepted. All other forms will be returned without issuance of a PIN.

Contact Linda Robey at 571-227-2281 or Linda.Robey@dhs.gov for more information.

Please contact the appropriate airport below for more detailed instructions on the PIN issuance process.

Contacts:
College Park Airport (CGS): Mr. Lee Schiek Airport Security Coordinator
Phone: 301-864-5844, E-Mail: leeschiek@hotmail.com

Potomac Airfield (VKX): Mr. David Wartofsky, Airport Security Coordinator
Phone: 301-248-5720, E-Mail: bigcheese@potomac-airfield.com

Hyde Field (W32) Mr. Ray Isherwood, Airport Security Coordinator
Phone: 301-297-7388, E-Mail: rtish1@aol.com

TSA Point of Contact: Ms. Linda Robey
Phone: (571) 227-2281, E-Mail: Linda.Robey@dhs.gov

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General Aviation Hotline and Airport Watch

TSA has developed and implemented a GA hotline in partnership with the National Response Center. The GA Hotline serves as a centralized reporting system for general aviation pilots, airport operators, and maintenance technicians wishing to report suspicious activity at their airfield.

866-GA-SECURE
(1-866-427-3287)

The hotline was developed in coordination with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to complement the AOPA Airport Watch Program. This program enlists the support of some 550,000 general aviation pilots to watch for and report suspicious activities that might have security implications. AOPA has distributed Airport Watch materials to 5,400 public-use general aviation airports, several pilot groups, and thousands of individual pilots. To build on the success of these local efforts, the program includes special materials including a video to train pilots to be alert for sinister people or activities on the airport. Online GA security training, developed by AOPA in partnership with TSA, is available here.

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