Well... I tried again, and we'll see if it gets posted. For those who don't know what they want to say I'm adding the comment I posted. I've noticed some folks asking them to just re-write the rule for warbirds. I disagree. It needs to be killed altogether.
Quote:
I would like to voice my strong opposition to this proposed rule. I believe it is foolish, and shows the lack of understanding you have of how business works.
As a commercial pilot who also works at a full-service FBO that services these aircraft, I believe that these proposed rules will have extremely negative effects. I also believe that this action goes beyond the true authority of the TSA. I would like to address several this on several points.
First, the measures presented here will be extremely burdensome to the small operators we regularly deal with at the FBO where I work. This will have serious financial effects on both them and us. It will also mean a great deal of inconvenience for law-abiding citizens who privately own their aircraft.
Second, I believe that this is in truth, outside of the jurisdiction of the TSA. Sure, Congress may have set you up, but they had no right to give you the authority to do this according to the tenth amendment of the US Constitution which states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." You do not have the right to tell me who can get on my privately-owned aircraft any more than you can tell me who can get in my truck, car, boat, or bicycle. The closest you can get to saying you have authority is to say that you have some sort of vested interest with the interstate commerce clause – but that should not be interpreted (and is being wrongly interpreted if you do so) to mean that you can regulate who gets on or off of a privately-owned vehicle! The interstate commerce clause was only intended to keep folks from gouging and creating problems between states – not to deprive citizens of their rights.
Third, this will have many unintended (I hope) consequences. For instance, it may affect a number of good, law-abiding, patriotic, Americans who own so-called “warbirds” who regularly take them to airshows and other events to preserve the historic tools of our heroes. Most “warbird” operators would be in a serious spot if they had to comply with your proposed rules.
Fourth, as far as security goes, in my opinion the amount of additional security this would provide would be negligible at best. The AOPA and GA airport watch programs are pretty effective. None of the folks where I work or at the airport I am at are interested in terrorist attacks any more than you are, and we look out for our aircraft and our property as someone who has a vested interested in the success of their business should. It’s weird how you seem to assume that business owners and operators aren’t doing their best to protect their own assets – when their very business depends on them being careful. Oh, and the guys who aren’t being careful – you can’t regulate stupidity. They’ll still be stupid with or without your “rules”. If there are truly resourceful terrorists, who by the way have already shown their willingness to die in their fanatic cause, will still be able to slip under your radar screens and pass your “security” clearances, and frankly, will still be able to access aircraft. In fact, the only way you can prevent their access to aircraft ultimately is to ground all aircraft – which is unthinkable.
Fifth, this rule is unnecessary because to a degree, it is already taken care of by the people you seem bent on oppressing. As a commercial pilot, I am NOT going to be flying with someone about whom I don’t at least have a basic idea of who they are and what they’re up to. The basic aviation system depends on trust. I have to trust my mechanics, the fuel guys, the IA who inspects the aircraft to be up to safety standards, the ATC controllers, and the other pilots around me to follow the rules. If I don’t trust the people I fly with, they aren’t flying with me.
Frankly, you have not earned our trust – and because of your policies and record, probably never will. I would much rather be allowed to open carry at the airport along with other employees and provide my own security. I’m there, on the spot, know who is supposed to be around, and who’s not, and can ask questions if needed without fear.
With sincere appreciation for what I hope to be the good but misguided desire in your heart to protect your friends and loved ones, I respectfully ask that you not pass these rules.
Feel free to re-write this to your own situation.
Ryan
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Aerial Photographer with
Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites:
Texas Tailwheel Flight Training,
DoolittleRaid.com and
Lbirds.com.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31
- Train, Practice, Trust.