On February 29, 2012, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it will require General Aviation aircraft operators who wish to fly into and/or out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to designate a security coordinator and adopt the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP). Once aircraft operators have complied with the DASSP requirements, they may request a slot reservation from the Federal Aviation Administration and request a flight authorization from TSA to fly into and out of DCA.
As part of flight authorization request for any flight, for each passenger and crew member onboard an aircraft that operates into and/or out of DCA, a TSA security threat assessment will be performed.
The operator’s last point of departure before DCA must be from a Fixed Base Operator that holds a TSA-approved DCA Access Fixed Based Operator Standard Security Program. Before the aircraft departs the gateway airport for DCA, the operator must inspect the aircraft and screen the passengers, their carry-on property, and property carried in the cargo hold. Aircraft operators will also have to provide TSA with the flight plan and registration number of the aircraft that operates to or from DCA. This information is shared with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for purposes of tracking and identifying approved aircraft.
Additionally, TSA will require Individuals designated as security coordinators, ASOs, and flight crewmembers that operate GA aircraft into and out of DCA to submit identifying information and fingerprints for a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC).
For more information on the changes toSecurity Procedures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport,or for assistance with the DASSP procedures and flight authorizations, please contact Glenn Wicks or Ekaterina Grimes at (202) 457-7790.