Here We Go Again... Another Congressional Knee-Jerk Needs To Be Countered

EAA is reacting strongly in opposition to Congressman Steven Rothman's (D-NJ) call for additional restrictions on general aviation within 15 miles of New York city.

Congressman Rothman states, "It is unacceptable that New York City, the site of the greatest terrorist attack in American history, still has not been given the same protection from general aviation aircraft that Washington, DC has in place today to protects its people and important sites."

Rep. Rothman (right) does not state, however, that the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration have evaluated the threat of general aviation aircraft and determined that they do not pose a significant threat that warrants additional restrictions. Also, general aviation has not been involved in any terrorist attack to date and that general aviation aircraft pose less of a threat than the thousands of personal vehicles that travel into, out of and through the New York City metro region each day.

"Rep. Rothman's request would not make any of the citizens in his district, nor in the surrounding New York metro area, any safer, but it would effectively destroy hundreds of jobs and dozens of businesses that rely on general aviation in his region," said Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice President of Government and Industry Programs.

EAA has already alerted New Jersey aviation enthusiasts, particularly those in Rep. Rothman's home District 9 encompassing Bergen, Hudson and Passaic Counties, and urged them to call his office at (202) 225-5061 or email him, and let him know that such a proposal does not enhance security and is not in the best interests of his constituents.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.house.gov/rothman/contact_steve.htm