TSA pressing GA under it's thumb...

[Mahnarch]

It looks like the scaredy cat's in the government are going to be pressing their political chests against innocent General Aviation pilots and owners.

Airport to have new security rules in April

Going behind the gate at the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport's general aviation facility after April 1 will require an escort or special clearance from the Transportation Security Administration.

Airport staff member April Hill explained the new rules to airport authority members on Tuesday. The rules require that anyone using the facility pass a TSA threat assessment and receive a special picture identification card.

Hill said the requirement applies to pilots and aircraft owners, staff, vendors, and anyone using the facility for any purpose. Those who already have a gate pass can have the new designation on the flip side once they get TSA clearance.

I hope the 'April 1' date means that this is a very long build up to the ultimate April Fool's joke.

GA is not even CLOSE to being a danger to society.
A fully loaded Cessna 172 weighs less than a Ford Escort - empty (including fuel).

Apparently, the yuppie, liberal, stupid TSA doesn't even realize that a fully fueled, loaded with a bomb, C-172 wouldn't even take the paint off of a nuclear power plant!

Also, it's unnecissary revenue generation because, of course, you have to pay for these special badges to access your own plane.

Imagine having to purchase a special badge to access your car from a parking garage (or, basically, your own driveway [i.e., your hanger/tie-down]).

[dannyboy]

I don't know too much about aviation regulations but it does seem that governmental groups always regulate the wrong people as a Guinea pig before they place the regulation where it belongs.

The last time we had an act of terror it was commercial jumbo jets that were hijacked and used as bombs not private planes.

[Mahnarch]

Exactly.
Imagine if a terrorist used a Lincoln Continental as a battering ram to crash into a Post Office.

Next thing you know, all cars are being investigated and you have to have a background check before you can drive your K1500 to work.
(And, of course, you have to pay for those investigations and background checks).

[Classicblast]

Of course. The powers that be will always find a way to make a few more bucks for everything even if it's a liability to them originally.