UPDATE: As stated in this Avweb article, it appears that several airports on the list were surprised to find themselves there. Apparently, these airports have instituted security measures that independently meet the TSA’s requirements. Needless to say, the saga continues. I will continue to update my blog as more comes out.
The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new directive, SD-8G, became effective June 1, 2009. It requires transient pilots flying into commercial-service airports to remain close to their aircraft, leaving it only to walk to and from the fixed-base operator, service provider, or airport exit. Hard to believe, but this is a relaxation of the initial version which would have required those same pilots to undergo a background check and receive a security badge in order to have unescorted access to their airports.
The Michigan airports on the list (http://eaa.org/news/2009/2009-06-09_tsa_airportlist.pdf) are listed below. Needless to say, there are a few that I find very surprising, as I have flown to them and cannot figure out why they would be on the list. Keep the list in mind when you plan your next flight to any of these airports – you do not want to find yourself on the wrong end of any enforcement action. If you have any questions, please let me know.
APN Alpena County Regional
AZO Kalamazoo Municipal
CIU Chippewa County International
CMX Houghton County Memorial
DTW Detroit Metro Wayne County
ESC Delta County
FNT Bishop International
GRR Kent County International
IMT Ford
IWD Gogebic County
LAN Capital City
MBL Manistee County Blacker
MBS MBS International
MKG Muskegon County International
PLN Pellston Regional
SAW Sawyer International
TVC Cherry Capital