On July 8, 2008 an ARSA-led coalition of aviation industry representatives sent a letter urging Members of Congress to prevent the industry from suffering punishment due to inaction by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Section 1616 of the “9/11 Commission Recommendation Act of 2007” (P.L. 110-53) and Sec. 611 of VISION 100 (the 2003 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization law) (P.L. 108-176) required the TSA to promulgate repair station security rules. Under those laws, if the TSA does not issue a final rule by Aug. 3, 2008, the FAA will be prohibited from issuing new certificates to foreign repair stations. Although there is an exception for certificate renewals and applications in process, the law will have unintended and negative consequences for U.S. companies seeking to expand operations overseas.

On May 13, TSA Administrator Kip Hawley testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee that a final rule will not be issued by the Aug. 3, 2008 deadline. Indeed, it appears that the TSA will be hard pressed to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by that date.

Presented with this fact, ARSA turned its attention to Capitol Hill and, via the letter, sought to bring attention to the punishment looming over the aviation industry. The letter emphasized the important role of foreign repair stations in all aspects of the aviation industry, underscoring the fact that a freeze on foreign repair stations will create negative effects on the aviation community in the U.S. In addition, the letter questioned the logic of punishing private industry for the failings of a government agency.

This letter follows one previously sent by ARSA to TSA Administrator Kip Hawley exhorting the agency to meet the deadline for the final rule.

ARSA thanks those organizations lending support to this effort.

To read the July 8 letter click here

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