November 10, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC — Acting on a joint request from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Transportation Security Administration today extended the time period for public comment on the agency’s Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) proposal by an additional 60 days.

As a result of the extension, the new deadline for public comment is February 27, 2009.

On October 30, NBAA and AOPA jointly requested additional time to comment on the LASP, which increases security requirements for all aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds. Review a copy of the joint letter (PDF).

“Granting our request will provide much needed time for analysis, community education and feedback,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “This is a very important development and we look forward to effectively using the additional time.”

In October, the TSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks to amend the Twelve Five Standard Security Program and Private Charter Standard Security Program, and apply new security requirements to all aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds. In addition, the TSA proposes that airports serving large aircraft adopt mandatory security requirements.

For more information on the TSA’s LASP, including a detailed analysis of the plan, a list of major concerns NBAA and industry have raised about the proposal, a list of questions the TSA has asked industry (so Members can provide answers to the agency in their comments), and a direct link for Members to submit comments to the government’s public docket, visit www.nbaa.org/aircraft-operations/security/programs/large-aircraft-security-program-lasp/.

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show.