Is TSA Readying An All-Out Attack On GA Access To American Airports?

[skymaster]

Those CAP members whose units meet at some larger regional airports might find this article interesting.  I am wondering if our current fingerprint check and current ID system might pass muster for airport access under such a system.  A link to this info can be found at http://www.aero-news.net/news/genav.cfm?ContentBlockID=b7071071-8b54-4c66-bf6b-239760696f80&Dynamic=1   if anyone is interested.

[wingnut55]

No

our ID card has no picture on it, we need to get into line with the rest of the DOD contractors.

At several Airports here the bad feelings towards CAP is 'Your unwelcome here without police or official escort.

on several Military bases we have been banned doing ELT hunts on the base.

One CAP guy showed up with an ID card he made up to look like a DOD regulation ID (Picture etc) our CAP ID does not meet the standards for a Janitorial service picking up cans on a Military installation.

Why is that? Maybe NHQ has little respect for the membership? or maybe we have members who cannot be trusted? Either way CAP needs to clean house, maybe we need to earn respect.

[NIN]

Why is that? Maybe NHQ has little respect for the membership? or maybe we have members who cannot be trusted? Either way CAP needs to clean house, maybe we need to earn respect.

During the back & forth about member ID cards some years ago, DoD basically said "NO!" to a CAC-card styled design for the CAP ID card.

So before you start blaming national for "hatin' on the peeps in the field," do a little research.

(At one point, my mug was the "example" photo for CAP ID card photos during part of this go-around.  I guess either Lorenzo Llamas was unavailable, or I just had better command of Photoshop that day)

[PHall]

our ID card has no picture on it, we need to get into line with the rest of the DOD contractors.

Funny, my CAP ID card has my picture on it.

[arajca]

No

our ID card has no picture on it, we need to get into line with the rest of the DOD contractors.

Our ID card does have a picture on it. It costs $4.00. Our MEMBERSHIP card does not.

[Eclipse]

our ID card has no picture on it, we need to get into line with the rest of the DOD contractors.

Funny, my CAP ID card has my picture on it.

Yeah, mine too.  As to airport access, most are either private property or municipal property and its generally a matter of law that we can't just go wandering around, not some local opinion.

[a2capt]

Then why is it (rumored?) that CG Aux ID Looks more in line as an official looking ID card?

..and our local airport issued use ID badge looking things to use the tie downs, too.

Funny thing is they didn't tell me exactly what to do with it, but did hint that I needed to have it with *me* at all times when on the air side of things.

As opposed to some folks who leave them in their car, or shoved in a wallet and put their butt up against the thing to get access. It now has to be visible.

[Eclipse]

Then why is it (rumored?) that CG Aux ID Looks more in line as an official looking ID card?

I can't imagine for a minute why CAP members would remotely care what a CGAUX card looks like.

As to airport IDS, most larger regional airports have them, and parking stickers, too.  The one we do most operations out of started issuing them about 4 years ago. 

I got one and moved on.  On the rare occasion that I am there at an odd hour, I make sure I have it with me.  One time they even asked for it.

Now, if you really want to get the rumor mill going - a lot of airports now have fences, and you have to go through a locked gate to get in.  Sometimes you even have to check with a security guard at the hanger.

I can't wait until the blogosphere gets a hold of that tidbit.

[RiverAux]

Apparently NHQ sent a letter out on this issue today basically saying that CAP tried to get exempted but has failed, though the compliance deadline has been extended.  I forsee CAP moving planes off of commercial airports now. 

[KyCAP]

Blue Grass Senior Squadron in Lexington, KY has always been based at Blue Grass Airport.  From day 1 they have been required to have a SIDA badge and a TSA approved FBI background screening.   All of the GA operations there including a flight school, flying club and 100 or so aircraft there have followed the SIDA bading process now for at least a decade that I am aware of. 

It's not a big deal to us any more and it's a security BONUS for aircraft there because the whole area is behind a PATROLLED FENCED area.   The airport police know's who CAP is and is fully briefed on our mission.   Being at a scheduled carrier operation airport is just business as usual.

As far as CAP NHQ INC getting CAC cards.. Well, my guess is hurdles like NIST 800, FISMA and HSPD-12 compliance are the real issues.    A CAC card requires Secret clearance (period).   An imitation CAC card is still not a CAC card and visual identification of an authentic CAC card for that purpose is probably a concern.   

Maybe we should get compliant in our processes and protocols, then design a smart card that DOESN'T look like a CAC card but is allowed to share in the PKI encryption that can be used for computer access as allowed by certain agencies.

Just a thought after looking at this for YEARS.

[stratoflyer]

I just read the memo Salvador, Director of Missions. He mentions that they would like support from the AF on this one. Maybe this is our opportunity to finally get ID cards from Ma Blue. Especially if the TSA is barking that everyone meet ID requirements.

And yes, it is an attack on GA.

[cap235629]

where is this memo or letter, I can't find it

[wingnut55]

CAC  (Common Access Card) is not a TSA card to get on an airfield

CAC is required to work at a VA hospital as a Janitor (Called a VA employee ID card)

In compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12/HSPD-12 (24k, PDF), the DoD began issuing its CAC in October 2006. Pursuant to the President's mandate, the new HSPD-12 compliant card contains advanced technology, which will enhance the security of Federally controlled facilities and computer systems and ensure a safer work environment for all Federal employees and contractors.

CAC Card holder has a SECRET Security clearance?? False it is just an ID card

You have to read the TSA guidelines, it will cost about $100 for the initial Clearance for an ID

CAP already does meet much of the TSA guidelines : THEY JUST NEED TO COORDINATE the initial CAP FBI check and other required TSA background checks). Those checks are already done if you are cleared for CD missions

CAP NHQ  continues to refuse to coordinate the documentation as required by the TSA and issue a DOD/TSA approved ID card

Bottom line  NHQ requires the members to foot the bill on the TSA guidelines, does that mean I need an ID from many Airports?? no just an escort, and lots of waiting, hours of waiting.  

[Grumpy]

our ID card has no picture on it, we need to get into line with the rest of the DOD contractors.

Funny, my CAP ID card has my picture on it.

So glad I have my 2AF