Tail Numbers in BARR Program Available Through FOIA

In late February, a District Court judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that tail numbers blocked for distribution outside of the FAA through NBAA’s Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program must be unblocked to comply with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. What do you think about the BARR program? Should the tail numbers be blocked permanently? Where do you fall on the public/private spectrum? Leave a comment.
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Thursday Open Thread: United States v. Corporate Aviation

Since the automotive industry bailout hearing in November, corporate aviation has been caught in the political crossfire.

At the hearing last fall, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., scored populist points when he asked whether the Chrysler, Ford and GM CEOs had purchased tickets on commercial flights to attend the hearing in Washington, D.C.

In January, Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., and Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., argued against legislative language that would have required recipients of bailout money to forgo owning or leasing aircraft.

Scott Adams even drew a Dilbert comic strip about the controversy. The Dogbert character does not mince words.

Now, NBAA and GAMA have launched a new Web site, No Plane No Gain, to defend the business aviation industry and educate the public.

What would you tell Congress or the public about the use of corporate jets in this economic climate? How would you defend corporate aviation in general?

Click the comments link to contribute.

Thursday Open Thread: TSA's Large Airport Security Program (LASP)

Friday, Feb. 27, is the deadline to submit comments to the Transportation Security Administration on the proposed Large Aircraft Security Program. LASP would subject operators of aircraft with a take-off weight greater than 12,500 pounds to make sure crews and passengers have cleared security checks.

What do you think about the LASP proposal? What would you tell the TSA? What have you heard from customers who use your airport or FBO?

Click the comments link to contribute.

And here are some links to more information about LASP and other related news:
TSA programs
NBAA's draft comments
Feds may tighten small airport security – FOX 5, Atlanta
Airport to have new security rules in April – ENCToday.com
General aviation customers annoyed about security rule – ENCToday.com