TSA Certificate May Move GA Closer To Freedom

The TSA appears to be opening restricted airspace and airports a crack for business aviation. According to the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Web site, Rear Adm. David Stone, the assistant secretary of Homeland Security, said the TSA Access Certificate (TSAAC — used to grant waivers for some international operations) will likely be modified. The result would be a certificate that could be used to grant waivers for business aircraft flying into security-restricted airports and airspace in the U.S. NBAA President Ed Bolen said it’s the first time the TSAAC has been publicly discussed as an option for domestic GA operations. Meanwhile, AOPA is lamenting the resignation of Adm. James Loy as the Department of Homeland Security’s second-in-command. Loy announced earlier this week he was leaving the post. His resignation comes weeks after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge pulled the pin. AOPA President Phil Boyer said Loy was vitally interested in the effect of security issues on general aviation and wanted to hear from pilots. “He allowed AOPA open access to him, which greatly aided pilots on important GA matters,” Boyer said. Ridge and Loy will stay on until March 1 or until replacements are named.