Securing General Aviation / Bartholomew Elias.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Elias, Bartholomew, author.

Contributor:

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service, issuing body.

Series:

CRS report for Congress ; RL33194.

CRS report for Congress ; RL33194

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Aeronautics--Safety measures.

Aeronautics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (49 pages).

Updated irregularly

Edition:

[Library of Congress public edition].

Place of Publication:

Washington, District of Columbia : Congressional Research Service, 2009.

Summary:

General aviation (GA) - a catch-all category that includes about 54% of all civilian aviation activity within the United States encompasses a wide range of airports, aircraft, and flight operations. Because GA plays a small but important role in the U.S. economy, improving upon GA security without unduly impeding air commerce or limiting the freedom of movement by air remains a significant challenge. However, policymakers have received mixed signals about the relative security risk posed by GA, due to its diversity and a general lack of detailed information regarding the threat and vulnerability of various GA operations. While some recent high-profile breaches of GA security point to persisting vulnerabilities and limited intelligence information suggest a continued terrorist interest in using GA aircraft, it is evident that GA airports, aircraft, and operations vary considerably with regard to security risk. While the small size and slow speed of most GA aircraft significantly limit the risk they pose, some experts still fear that they could be used as a platform for a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack. Certain sectors of GA, such as crop dusters and larger business aircraft, present more specific risks because of their unique capabilities and aircraft characteristics.

Contents:

Introduction

What is general aviation?

The security challenge

Security vulnerabilities

The terrorist threat

Risk factors associated with general aviation

Possible options to mitigate the security risks of general aviation

Related legislative proposals offered in the 109th Congress

Oversight and legislative action in the 110th Congress.

Notes:

The CRS report home page provides access to all versions published since 2018 in accordance with P.L. 115-141; earliest version dated 2009.

Report includes illustrations.

"March 03, 2009."

Report includes bibliographical references.

Description based on: online resource; title from PDF information screen (Worldcat, viewed July 4, 2023).

OCLC:

1119731098