• Who We Are
• For Travelers
• What We Do
• Join Us
• Our Approach
• Media Room
• Research Center

---

• What We Do
• Grants
• Law Enforcement
• Layers of Security
• Screening Partnership Program
• Security Screening
• Transportation Sector Network Management
  • Freight Rail
  • Highway and Motor Carrier
  • Maritime
  • Mass Transit
  • Pipeline Security
  • Air Cargo
  • Commercial Airlines
  • Commercial Airports
  • General Aviation

Airport Security Guidelines

General Aviation

In April 2003, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requested the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) establish a Working Group made up of industry stakeholders to develop guidelines for security enhancements at the nation's privately and publicly owned and operated general aviation (GA) landing facilities. This listing of recommended guidelines or "best practices" was designed to establish non-regulatory standards for general aviation airport security.  Their primary purpose is to help prevent the unauthorized use of a general aviation aircraft in an act of terrorism against the United States.

The Working Group consisted of GA industry associations, airport operators, and state and federal government representatives.  Members of the Working Group engaged in extensive discussions to review numerous general aviation airport security recommendations and industry best practices. The result of this effort was the “Report of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee Working Group on Aviation Airports Security" (PDF 234KB).

On November 17, 2003, the ASAC formally transmitted the recommendations to TSA. TSA used this document as a baseline from which to craft this Information Publication (IP).  This IP, titled, Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports" (PDF 701KB), constitutes a set of federally endorsed guidelines for enhancing airport security at GA facilities throughout the nation. It is intended to provide GA airport owners, operators, and users with guidelines and recommendations that address aviation security concepts, technology, and enhancements.

This material should be considered a living document which will be updated and modified as new security enhancements are developed and as input from the industry is received. To facilitate this, TSA has established a mailbox to collect feedback from interested parties. Persons wishing to provide input should send e-mail to General Aviation