Feds Back Off on Bizav Security Plan

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (in photo) has told the Transportation Security Administration to back off from tougher security rules for general aviation that were first proposed in October 2008. Those widely criticized proposals called for all operators of Part 91 aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds to create a TSA-approved security program; put all flight crew through FBI background checks; compare all passengers against TSA watch lists; and impose new restrictions on what may be carried in the cabin. According to a report by National Public Radio, the TSA now plans to collaborate more with industry on security and will substantially increase the weight of airplanes covered by a revised security plan coming out this fall.