The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced yesterday its Advance Information on Private Aircraft Arriving and Departing the United States final rule, paving the way for implementation of its proposed Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (e-APIS). The rule will require general aviation (GA) pilots to send U.S. Customs and Border Protection the names and manifest data relative to all people traveling onboard before crossing a U.S. border, at least one hour prior to departure.
This new rule demonstrates how misunderstood GA is by the general public. International GA flights already are subject to the strong security measures. But lack of awareness and understanding of this creates unwarranted pressure that politicians feel compelled to respond to. Unfortunately, the response has proven to be misguided and misdirected.
Questions or Comments? Feel free to contact Susan Sheets with your thoughts.
