The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is interested in making it easier for corporate aircraft to use Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and last month held a security summit with industry associations to discuss the issue. Five NBAA members that have overcome the many obstacles to flying into DCA also attended.
After the 9/11 attacks, DCA was closed to general aviation traffic, despite the fact that it was airliners that were used as guided missiles in the attacks. In 2005, the TSA finally developed the
DCA Access Standard Security Plan, which allows corporate aircraft to fly into the airport provided they meet strict requirements. These include carrying an armed security officer on every flight, departing from an approved gateway airport where security screening is done, and background checks of the flight crew. In addition the airport has restricted operating hours, requires advance reservations and is limited to 48 such operations per day.
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