USA: Attention New York State Pilots

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Special Notice from AOPA President Phil Boyer June 27, 2006
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== ATTENTION ALL NEW YORK PILOTS ==

URGE GOV PATAKI TO VETO PILOT BACKGROUND CHECK BILL!

Your urgent action is needed to request Governor George Pataki to veto
legislation (A2122) that requires criminal background checks for
student pilots. Despite strong recommendations against passage by the
Rules Committee, the Senate in a last minute effort cleared the bill
for the governor?s signature. If enacted, it will have a chilling
effect on efforts to recruit new pilots, and will have a serious
financial impact on New York flight schools and FBOs. Please CALL the
Governor and urge him to VETO A2122!

The Federal agency charged with aviation security, the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) already have aggressive and comprehensive security programs that
include identity verification for all pilots and background checks on
non-U.S. citizens
Federal law and court rulings clearly pre-empt the ability of the
states to require these kinds of checks on pilots
Flight Schools and flight instructors are required to receive annual
security awareness training and report suspicious activities to the TSA

Additional requirements will increase costs and hurt New York?s
aviation businesses without improving security

The number to Governor Pataki?s office is518) 474-8390. You can also
follow up your call with an e-mail by clicking on this link.

A2122:
Requires flight schools to require prospective students to provide
criminal background check information to the New York State Division of
Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
Requires the DCJS Commissioner to determine whether clearance for
flight instruction shall be granted or denied to a new or prospective
applicant
Prohibits an applicant from receiving flight instruction from a flight
institution unless DCJS first has provided written notification to
such institution that the applicant may receive such instruction
Requires flight schools to request criminal history information of any
new and prospective applicant from DCJS
The message to the Governor is simple: Veto A2122!