The TSA today published its Interim Final Rule for general aviation access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Although this is a step in the right direction, the “access” is severely limited and restrictive. In addition to onerous security measures set forth in the rule, general aviation operators using Ronald Reagan will have to pay the TSA $15 for the threat assessment TSA will conduct for each passenger and crewmember whose information the aircraft operator submits to TSA as part of the flight approval process, and $296 per round trip into and out of DCA to cover the costs of using TSA screening personnel and equipment at DCA and the gateway airports.
The rule is effective August 18, 2005 and TSA must receive any comments to the rule on or before September 19, 2005. Additionally, if you have questions regarding the rule, they can be addressed as follows: For policy questions, Robert Rottman, Office of Aviation Security Policy, Transportation Security Administration Headquarters, East Building, Floor 3, 601 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202; telephone: (571) 227-2289; e-mail: Robert.Rottman@dhs.gov; For questions related to Sensitive Security Information (SSI), Keith L. Moore, Director, SSI Program Office, Office of the Chief of Staff, Transportation Security Administration Headquarters, East Building, Floor 7, 601 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202; telephone: (571) 227-3513; e-mail: Keith.Moore1@dhs.gov; For legal questions, Scott Houston, Office of Chief Counsel, Transportation Security Administration Headquarters, East Building, Floor 12, 601 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202; telephone: (571) 227-3653; e-mail: Scott.Houston@dhs.gov.
