GAMA and NATA Applaud The Long-Awaited Repair Station Security Final Rule

The National Air Transportation Association welcomes the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) release of the long awaited Aircraft Repair Station Security regulation. The final rule appeared in the Jan. 13 Federal Register.

The regulation requires repair stations certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 145 to comply with TSA security directives and implement security measures as directed by TSA. It also allows TSA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials to conduct security inspections in these facilities. Most importantly the completion of this final rule will now lift the long-standing ban on certification of repair stations overseas.

“NATA is pleased to see the final TSA repair station security rule published. The completion of the final rule lifts the FAA’s moratorium on new foreign repair station certifications, allowing U.S. companies to expand MRO operations globally. This is a great boost to our aviation repair businesses, jobs and our nation’s economy,” said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks.

“NATA commends the collaborative spirit of those who worked to see this rule through completion. The industry’s unity in its continual discussions with legislators and the Department of Homeland Security resulted in a positive outcome for all involved,” added Hendricks.

Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), made the following statement about the issuance of the repair station security final rule, which is designed to improve the security of domestic and foreign repair stations:

“We appreciate the leadership of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson in making the finalization of the repair station security rule one of his first priorities in office. We also appreciate the work of Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole and his staff over many years to bring the repair station rule into existence. By finally putting this rule into place, the U.S. government is ending a decade of bureaucratic inaction, establishing a risk-based security requirement for repair stations and making it easier for U.S. businesses to access and support markets throughout the world.”