U.S.-bound private planes will soon be subject to increased security measures to help ensure they are not used by terrorists to transport a nuclear weapon or radiological "dirty bomb" into the country, the Associated Press reported yesterday (see GSN, June 19).
(Nov. 18) -
The United States is tightening security rules for private airplanes, like the business jets shown above, before they enter the country (Fabrice Coffrini/Getty Images).
The Homeland Security Department rule would require general aviation pilots no less than one hour before departure to provide U.S. authorities with the names and other information of all passengers. That would allow officials to check lists of suspected terrorists to determine if they might be on the aircraft.
Cargo and commercial aircraft flying to the United States have to date faced greater scrutiny than their private counterparts, creating a possible opportunity for terrorists, according to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
"I want to make these investments now even though the threat is not imminent," he said during an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
The new rule will be published in the Federal Register 30 days before entering into force (Eileen Sullivan, Associated Press/Yahoo!News, Nov. 17).