In Flight USA Article Categories
In Flight USA Articles
GAMA and NATA Applaud The Long-Awaited Repair Station Security Final Rule
The National Air Transportation Association welcomes the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) release of the long awaited Aircraft Repair Station Security regulation. The final rule appeared in the Jan. 13 Federal Register.
The regulation requires repair stations certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 145 to comply with TSA security directives and implement security measures as directed by TSA. It also allows TSA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials to conduct security inspections in these facilities. Most importantly the completion of this final rule will now lift the long-standing ban on certification of repair stations overseas.
“NATA is pleased to see the final TSA repair station security rule published. The completion of the final rule lifts the FAA’s moratorium on new foreign repair station certifications, allowing U.S. companies to expand MRO operations globally. This is a great boost to our aviation repair businesses, jobs and our nation’s economy,” said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks.
“NATA commends the collaborative spirit of those who worked to see this rule through completion. The industry’s unity in its continual discussions with legislators and the Department of Homeland Security resulted in a positive outcome for all involved,” added Hendricks.
Ten Years Later, Industry Still Waiting for U.S. Government to Issue Repair Station Security Rule; Calls on Secretary Johnson to Act
As the aviation industry celebrates the 110th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, N. C., it is worth noting that this December also marks 10 years since President George W. Bush signed into law a bill requiring the issuance of final regulations to improve the security of domestic and foreign repair stations. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Pete Bunce called on Jeh Johnson, who was confirmed Dec. 16 as the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, to make issuing the rule one of his first duties in office.
Editorial: DO Sweat the Small Stuff
By Ed Downs
We have all heard the old standby, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Typically, that advice is given when one needs to keep focused on the final outcome of a big issue. The general belief is that if one takes care of the big issues, the small ones will resolve themselves. A recent conversation, however, has caused this writer to rethink that sage advice. My past editorials have expressed concern that our current national leadership is openly hostile towards private aviation, both personal and business.
For example, this editorial section, and virtually every editorial section of all aviation magazines, have addressed the proposed “per flight” user fees. While engaged in a discussion regarding these fees, the comment was made, “what makes you think private aviation is being treated in a hostile manner other than simply asking rich guys to pay their fair share?” This writer was caused to pause and think. The suggested user fee tends to be a rallying point for those who support aviation, but is that the only issue? Intuitively, I felt safe in the views expressed in these pages, but was I working on facts, or gut feelings brought about by personal political preferences. What is it that has this writer so concerned about the future of our industry?
Editorial: Your Friend (?) the TFR
By Ed Downs
Let’s start with a fun little story. Assume that you and a favorite companion have decided to take a leisurely Sunday morning drive through a beautiful rural area. Your destination is an historic village with a well-known restaurant, famed for the best breakfast in the county. The sun is shining, sky’s clear, temperature warm and flora is in full bloom. Sounds like fun, right? Upon driving into the village, you happily discover a small branch office of your bank with a curbside ATM. A bit of cash would be handy, so you carefully check for parking restrictions and, seeing none posted, park at the curb next to the ATM. Your favorite companion exits the car to deal with the ATM while you stay at the wheel, air-conditioning running to maintain comfort. The streets are empty this quiet morning and your mind is on the upcoming breakfast you have heard so much about. A moment later, your companion opens the door to re-enter the car, cash in hand. Pretty ordinary, right?
Editorial: Just Because I’m Paranoid
By Ed Downs
Is there anyone reading this who cannot complete the title of this editorial? Sure, it goes, “just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they are not out to get me.” Now, according to our friends at Wikipedia, the word paranoid, or paranoia, is defined in somewhat negative terms. It includes, “Paranoid thinking typically includes persecutory beliefs, or beliefs of conspiracy concerning a perceived threat towards oneself.” Wow, that definition looks a lot like the guy looking back at me in the mirror every morning. But the fact that I continue to see that reflection is, perhaps, an indication the my “paranoid” behavior has served me well for an aviation career that has lasted well over half a century.
Early in my flying days I read a quote by Wilbur Wright that ended with the concept of “deliberately accepting risk.” Indeed, that is what we do in aviation. We exercise a metered level of paranoia and try to figure out what is out there, “conspiring” to get us. This could be weather, aircraft design, marginal skills, carelessness, overconfidence, human error and many other gremlins that can conspire to spoil your day.
Have I convinced you that “paranoid” can be a good thing? If so, you are invited to direct your “paranoia” to the future of ownership and private use of personal and business aircraft, an activity typically clumped together by the term “General Aviation,” or “GA.”