Programs
General Aviation
Security Advisories | Security Initiatives
Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP)
Every week, thousands of private and corporate jets take to the nation's skies. Charter operators of these larger aircraft are required to carry out security programs that include the vetting of passengers are crew members. But, non-charter operators of these large general aviation aircraft are subject to little or no security regulation.
Since its inception, the Transportation Security Administration has focused on identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities within the commercial and general aviation systems. Vulnerabilities associated with general aviation include the transport of dangerous people or materials and the use of aircraft as weapons.
To address this threat vulnerability TSA has proposed the Large Aircraft Security Program. The program would require operators of aircraft above 12,500 pound maximum take-off weight (for example twin engine jets capable of carrying several passengers) to ensure that flight crews have undergone criminal history checks and that passengers have been matched against the terrorist watch list.
Establishing common sense standards for operators of these larger, and typically highly-capable aircraft, will enhance security for the nation's general aviation operations.
Public Meeting Schedule
As part of TSA's partnership with the General Aviation community a series of meetings will be held to gather additional industry input on the Large Aircraft Security Plan Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. We look forward to industry participation and feedback to improve large aircraft security. The dates and locations are listed in the table below.
| Date | City/State | Location |
| Jan. 6, 2009 | White Plains, NY | Building 1, Airport Road Westchester County Airport White Plains, NY 10604 |
| Jan. 8, 2009 | Atlanta, GA | Renaissance Concourse Hotel Atlanta Airport One Hartsfield Centre Pkwy Atlanta, GA 30354 |
| Jan. 16, 2009 | Chicago, IL | Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center 5440 North River Road Rosemont, IL 60018 |
| Jan. 23, 2009 | Burbank, CA | Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center 2500 North Hollywood Way Burbank, CA 91505 |
| Jan. 28, 2009 | Houston, TX | Hilton Houston Hotel - North Greenspoint 12400 Greenspoint Drive Houston, TX 77060 |
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would strengthen the security of general aviation by further minimizing the vulnerability of aircraft being used as weapons or to transport dangerous people or materials. The proposed regulation would reduce the susceptibility of large aircraft misuse by individuals wishing to harm the United States and its citizens.f
The Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) regulation would require all U.S. operators of aircraft exceeding 12,500 pounds maximum take-off weight to implement security programs that would be subject to compliance audits by TSA. The proposed regulation would also require operators to verify that passengers are not on the No Fly and/or Selectee portions of the federal government's consolidated terrorist watch list.
The LASP would require currently unregulated general aviation operations over a specific weight threshold to adopt security measures, which would align these operations with operations currently regulated for security purposes.
TSA continues to enhance international and domestic general aviation security by developing a comprehensive strategy to:
- Establish baseline standards of security for general aviation operations;
- Ensure that flight crews have undergone a fingerprint-based criminal history records and terrorist name check;
- Designate security coordinators;
- Conduct watch list matching of passengers through TSA-approved watch list matching service provider; and
- Check/validate property on board for unauthorized persons and accessible weapons
Click here to read the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP).
Click here to view the list of airports potentially impacted by this NPRM.
Secure Fixed Base Operator Program (SFBOP)
On December 31, 2007, TSA launched, with industry partner Signature Flight Support, the Secure Fixed Base Operator Program (SFBOP) at Anchorage, Alaska, and Shannon, Ireland. The program is a proof of concept, public-private sector partnership program that will allow FBOs to check passenger and crew identification against manifests or eAPIS filings for positive identification of passengers and crew onboard general aviation aircraft. Working in close coordination with industry partners, TSA believes that this security initiative will provide additional security for flights inbound to the United States. The agency is encouraged by the public/private sector partnership to improve security. The broader application of such programs will provide robust security while maintaining operational flexibility for general aviation operators.
Click here for SFBOP Frequently Asked Questions.
DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP)
TSA's Interim Final Rule (PDF 1.7 MB), which was developed in coordination with other Department of Homeland Security agencies and the Department of Defense, takes into consideration the special security needs of Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). Under TSA's security plan, 48 flights in and out of DCA will be allowed each day. All aircraft will be required to meet the security measures set forth in the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP).
Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP)
The Twelve-Five Standard Security Program requires that certain aircraft operators using aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off weight (MTOW) of 12,500 pounds or more carry out a security program. Operators were required to be in compliance with the program effective April 1, 2003.
Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP)
The Private Charter Standard Security Program is similar to the TFSSP but adds additional requirements for aircraft operators using aircraft with a MTOW of greater than 45,500 kg (100,309.3 pounds) or with a seating configuration of 61 or more. Operators were required to be in compliance with the program effective April 1, 2003.
Maryland-Three Program
The Maryland-Three Program allows properly vetted private pilots to fly to, from, or between the three general aviation airports closest to the National Capital Region. These airports are collectively known as the "Maryland Three" airports, and include College Park Airport (CGS), Potomac Airfield (VKX) and Hyde Executive Field (W32.) These airports are all within the Washington, DC Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the Washington, D.C. Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ.)
The Maryland-Three Program allows properly vetted private pilots to fly to, from, or between the three general aviation airports closest to the National Capital Region.
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