SUMMARY:
On Jan. 13, the Transportation Security Administration will issue regulations to improve security at repair stations located within and outside the United States as required by Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, Pub. L. 108-176 (117 Stat. 2489, Dec. 12, 2003), codified at 49 U.S.C. 44924 (Vision 100).
The regulations apply to repair stations certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 145, except repair stations located on a U.S. or foreign government military base. The rule effectively eliminates the FAA's ban on new foreign repair station certificates.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS:
This regulation applies to Part 145 certificated repair stations located:
- On airport. On an air operations area or security identification display area of an airport covered by an airport security program under 49 CFR Part 1542 in the U.S., or on the security restricted area of any commensurate airport outside the U.S. regulated by a government entity.
- Or adjacent to an airport. Adjacent to an area of the airport described in (1) if there is an access point between the repair station and the airport of sufficient size to allow the movement of large aircraft (greater than 12,500 pounds/5,700 kg) between the repair station and the airport.
Each affected repair station must:
- Provide the TSA with the name and means of contact on a 24-hour basis of a person or persons designated by the repair station with responsibility for (i) Compliance with the regulations in this part; (ii) Serving as the primary point(s) of contact for security-related activities and communications with TSA; (iii) Maintaining a record of all employees responsible for controlling keys or other means used to control access to aircraft described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and (iv) Maintaining all records necessary to comply with background check requirements.
- When not attended, prevent the unauthorized operation of all large aircraft capable of flight.
- Verify background information of those individuals who are designated as the TSA point(s) of contact and those who have access to any keys or other means used to prevent the operation of large aircraft.
This new repair station security rule will become effective in 45 days (approximately Feb. 27, 2014).
To view the complete text of the rule, click here.
AEA COMMENTARY:
The Aircraft Electronics Association is pleased the TSA has finally published the repair station security rule following nearly a decade of work on this congressionally mandated requirement. In preliminary review, it appears the TSA has done an exceptional job of addressing public comment during the NPRM process and developing a risk-based security program that incorporated industry best practices currently used for the repair station security.
The AEA will be publishing a thorough review of the final rule and providing training on these new requirements at the upcoming AEA International Convention & Trade Show, March 12-15, in Nashville, Tenn.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.