TSA Security Directive SD 1542-04-08F
Updated June 5, 2009
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently handed down a security directive to airports where scheduled airline service and General Aviation operations coexist. This directive, number SD 1542-04-08F dated December 10, 2008, has serious implications for the future of General Aviation. A new version, SD 1542-04-08G was issued on May 28, 2009, just three days prior to the implementation deadline. Version "G" apparently relaxes some requirements for transient pilots, but does nothing to relieve the burden on GA pilots based at the affected airports.
Colorado Flight Center is maintaining this web page as a clearing house for information and communication regarding the fight against this directive, that, if implemented, will surely be the death knell for General Aviation at commercial airports. We must fight to win this battle if we ever expect to win the war.
Some communication you might like to review is linked here.
We urge you to write your Senators and Congressman to oppose the implementation of this security measure. Thanks to Bill Marvel from Grand Junction for providing a sample letter that can be edited as you see fit. You can download these letters in Microsoft Word format as follows.
| Letter to: |
Fax Number: | Electronic Contact Details: |
| Senator Michael Bennet | 303-455-8851 | http://bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=TransitionalSiteEmailSenatorBennet |
| Senator Mark Udall | 202-224-6471 | http://www.markudall.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm |
| Congressman John Salazar | 202-226-9669 | http://www.house.gov/salazar/contact.shtml |
| TSA GA Liaison, Juan Barnes | E-mail to: TSAGeneralAviation@dhs.gov Note that AOPA will receive a copy of e-mail to Mr. Barnes |
You can send these letters electronically, through regular mail, or via fax.
If you live in a state other than Colorado, or in a Congressional District other than Colorado's Third, please contact your own Senator or Congressman.
Also, we can't stress enough the impact that AOPA can have as our voice in Washington. If possible, please donate to their General Aviation Serves America fund, which they will use to help fight against this and other threats against our freedoms. We think $175 donated to this fund is a far better investment than an airport security badge!