This bill was recently reported in the AOPA online newsletter and the following is from the AOPA website;
AOPA working the Hill to defeat ridiculous GA security bill The moment word first leaked out that Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) wanted to impose security restrictions on general aviation that exceed even those of the airlines, AOPA's Legislative Affairs staff sprung into action, lobbying against the bill. "This is preposterous, unrealistic, and unnecessary," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "General aviation is not a threat. The TSA has already said so. "The AOPA staff has outlined our strong opposition to the legislation in meetings with Republican and Democratic staff of the House aviation subcommittee. The association is also using its extensive network of relationships with key members of the subcommittee in fighting the bill." Weiner's bill, H.R. 5035, would mandate the same screening for all passengers and property aboard GA aircraft that is required for the airlines. It would also prohibit any aircraft other than an airliner from flying over cities with populations of 1 million or more, or operating within 1,500 feet of any building. "In light of everything that has already been done, requirements like those Rep. Weiner would impose would kill all of general aviation." (September 9) I and several of my friends have already written letters to our senators on the hill and are encouraging other to do so as well. A simple just say no is not sufficent, we as a flying community need to educate our elected officials to what the GA private sector really is, what it means to us, and the impact that the bill would have. The following is a clip from the letter I sent; I am a General Aviation Private Pilot and assist in the daily operations of one of hundreds of a small turf runway Public Utility Airports that are privately owned and operated. Typical of this type of operation, everyone knows one another at the airpark, and when strangers arrive they are treated much the same as someone that happens into your own backyard. The ramifications of this bill would require the filing and following of flights plans with radio communications by all pilots even when just wanting to go on a short jaunt for the sake of flying, or maybe a few rounds of the pattern to practice landings and take off, or to visit friends at a neighboring town, something as similar as riding a bike, boating, or skiing for enjoyment, which by the very same nature in the simplest forms, are not all equipped with electric's let alone radio capabilities I believe that portions of this bill are unnecessary and overreactive and would be a very expensive endeavor to enact and police in the name of Home Land Security. It would surely require such extensive steps that for an Airpark such as ours and others like it, would add the final straw, closing the doors and runways, a domino effect that would ensure the death of the general aviation private sector and all the employment associated with the supply of these type of recreational vehicles. We GA private pilots are as responsible as any recreational vehicle owner and follow the stricter rules set forth in the Federal Regulations that govern us. We can do our own policing, and we do. If we enact such bills into law, what is the next step? Boats on the water, cars in the streets, bicycles, skateboards, skis and roller skates? Which backpack do we inspect and by whom, prior to a child entering a school or public building? As our elected officials, you represent us, we entrust you to make sound and sane judgments that effect all of our lives and the way by which we live them. I trust you to oppose this one and offer intelligent and researched information to your colleagues so that they may make the proper choices as well. Sincerely, Edward C. Larsen <home address clipped> prior USAF: SSgt, 321MSS GFAB, ND owner: Luscombe 8A, N3535G builder: Experimental Sonerai in process DBA: Larsen Flying Service Airport: Larsen Airpark 43G, Belleville, MI In a message dated 9/13/2004 12:56:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time, ps...@yahoo.com writes: did a quick search and couldnt find the bill number on the official US House webpages. It looks like the possibility of a hoax. Larry Lipe Carbondale,IL > This can't be true. No one is that insane. This is > probably one of those internet hoaxes. I would > check > it out very thoroughly before I would get upset. If > true, I would send money to his opponent. > Ray
