Washington, DC, May 29, 2009 - Following the issuance of a new security directive issued yesterday by the Transportation Security Administration that modifies security protocols for transient and after-hours pilots flying into commercial-service airports, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today issued the following statement:

"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has addressed some of the immediate, top-level concerns raised by NBAA and other general aviation groups about how the TSA's 'badging' program would be implemented and what impact it might have on security and safety. The Agency's willingness to address our most pressing concerns gives us optimism that, over time, TSA officials will remain ready to discuss additional, unforeseen and unexpected effects of the program so that it does not become an impediment to operations. As NBAA Members know, the Association has long believed that the overall 'badging' security requirement is overly broad and ill-suited to the unique operating needs of business aviation, so we will continue working with the Agency to address our ongoing concerns."

The TSA's new security directive, (SD) 1542-04-08G, applies to individuals with unescorted access to commercial airports. This newest revision of the security directive - "Version G" - clarifies the TSA's initial security directive, (SD) 1542-04-08F. Due to the sensitive nature of the information included in the directive, the TSA has not made the full content of the document widely available.

The program goes into effect on June 1. Members requesting more information about the program, and which airports it applies to, can contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org, or (202) 783-9000.