GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Most post-11 September restrictions have been lifted, but general aviation continues to face challenges
Still struggling to regain its feet, US general aviation (GA) continues to be dogged by non-specific security concerns. In late May, the FBI issued an alert that terrorists may still be interested in using small aircraft for suicide attacks.
The non-specific alert came just days after one of three Washington DC area airports, only recently reopened to GA operations, was closed because of "serious security breaches". These unspecified breaches were believed to be on the ground side at Washington Executive/Hyde Field and did not involve aircraft operating from the airport.
The terrorist alert was one of a spate of warnings issued by the US government, but illustrates that GA is still under tight security scrutiny.
Most operational restrictions imposed after 11 September have been lifted, but the industry is still facing challenges.
Flight schools are suffering under rules that require background checks on foreign students, a major source of income, and at least one state is working on legislation that would require criminal record checks for all flight students.
At the same time, a bill providing government grants and loan guarantees for GA businesses harmed in the aftermath of the events of 11 September has become bogged down in Congress and is unlikely to be passed.
The FBI alert is the most serious since December but, as with previous warnings, is not specific about the threat. The government continues to have concerns about the vulnerability to air attack of nuclear power plants, water supplies and other elements of the country's infrastructure. There are 21 national-security temporary flight restriction (TFR) areas still in effect, plus a blanket ban on overflying of sporting events.
In the Washington area, operations at three GA airports were allowed to resume earlier this year, although restricted to aircraft based at the airport. Pilots must follow special security procedures. Hyde Field was closed by the FAA on 17 May, having been warned previously that it had not implemented required security measures. Aircraft were allowed to relocate. Operations continue at the two other airports - College Park and Potomac Airpark - with GA expected to be allowed back into Washington National later this month.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association believes GA pilots have behaved responsibly since 11 September. To mitigate the risk of pilots straying into restricted airspace, which can change location and size depending on the nature and level of security concerns, the association has produced graphic depictions of the TFRs to back up the traditional notices to airmen.
Source: Flight International
