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United States Pilots Association |
Monday, November 5, Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), announced new proposed regulations concerning the across the border travels of small planes. While his main concern was corporate jets, his proposals do not distinguish between them and smaller GA aircraft. The apparent perceived problem is the "ability of GA and private aircraft flights being used to deliver illicit materials, or transport dangerous individuals, or worse, transport radioactive materials to be used in a terrorist activity."
First, I want to compare Mr. Chertoff to the former "Drug Czar" who tried this scheme under the premise we would stop drug entry into the country by small plane. We put up aerostats (balloons) in critical border areas, created "look over the horizon" radar that could and does see over the borders, and began flying AWACS P-3 aircraft supported by Blackhawk helicopters and Citation jets equipped with FLIR and fighter type radar. Has anybody noticed a reduction in drugs coming in from Mexico?
There are still small planes flying across the border, especially in southern Arizona. All they have to do is wait until the aerostat is down for maintenance or weather, and probably monitor public frequencies to know when a good time exists to launch. If you do not believe me, try flying the I-10 corridor from Las Cruces to Tucson to Yuma (I-8) working center, and see how many popups are given to you with no transponder return.
Then we have the drones. These are flying along the border areas, ostensibly looking for illegal crossers on the ground. One can only imagine when Mr. Chertoff takes control of these (remember, he is also Border Patrol and Customs & Immigration), and we end up with an oriental fire drill going on along the borders.
A set procedure for small planes flying to and from Mexico should be implemented with a minimum amount of delay for GA pilots. The premise of advance computer notifications should be eliminated as this is impossible in Mexico.
Mr. Chertoff exists solely because the people in our country that were designated to protect us failed miserably. Putting the burden on general aviation is no way to prevent a future occurrence. Creating another bureaucratic oligarchy is also not in the public's best interest either.
In my opinion it is another means by which the government is forcing us to fly on the airlines. Less bother you know. Oh yes, your names will be on a manifest that is submitted to DHS before flight time. If your name is John Smith and someone with the same name appears on their "hit" list, imagine the fun day you are about to have.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association