Large Aircraft Security Program Nears Comments Period

The rehaul of the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) — developed after 9/11, in part, to improve security around charter service — is nearing the public comments period, said Eric Byer, NATA's vice president of government and industry affairs.

The new version, the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP), is the result of collaboration among various government agencies and general aviation leaders. It could expand TFSSP to govern all operations utilizing aircraft that weigh more than 12,500 lbs. Only Part 135 operations are covered under TFSSP. And the Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP), which covers large commercial-type aircraft that conduct charter service, could become a part of the LASP. As a result, existing security efforts for commercial aircraft of similar size will apply to corporate and private operations.

According to the proposed LASP, general aviation fliers will be matched against the No-Fly List before every operation with a more efficient Web-based process, and all pilots will undergo criminal checks.

LASP was formally introduced during NATA's 2007 Aviation Business Roundtable in early November by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.