by Mark R. Baker
President & CEO, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
Working your way through the noisy, highly politicized climate of Washington, D.C., can be a little like trying to communicate without a microphone while navigating without a GPS, compass, or chart. It can be tough to be heard over the engine noise, and if you don’t already know how to get where you’re going, you might have a hard time reaching your destination.
That’s why it’s so important for AOPA to understand the ins and outs of Washington’s unique landscape. It’s also why we have to tackle challenges from every available angle. If you want to be heard and create meaningful change, you need to take a multifaceted approach.
That’s what we’ve done when it comes to the unwarranted stops and searches of general aviation aircraft by federal and local law enforcement agencies. We’ve done our research, brought the problem to the attention of members of Congress, and won their support. We’ve raised the issue with FAA and other agencies. We’ve doggedly pursued Freedom of Information Act requests, and more.
Most recently, I met privately with newly confirmed Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. Within moments of setting foot in his office, I knew he had heard our message loud and clear. He was familiar with our concerns, knew about the stops and searches of general aviation pilots, and, most important, was taking action to address our issues.
In fact, one of the very first things he told me was that he had already initiated a comprehensive review of CBP’s interactions with general aviation aircraft. He was quick to acknowledge that there have been problems, especially with CBP handoffs to local law enforcement agencies, and he committed to addressing them.
He was aware, as I am, that in some ways, our interests coincide. Just as all of us at AOPA want law-abiding general aviation pilots to be able to go about their business without being stopped, searched, intimidated, or detained, Commissioner Kerlikowske wants to use CBP resources and personnel to stop illegal activity, not to waste them on stopping individuals who simply want to enjoy the freedom to fly.
Our meeting was a very important step in the right direction in terms of putting an end to these incidents. But that doesn’t mean we can afford to let our guard down. AOPA will be closely monitoring CBP’s actions, and we encourage pilots who are stopped, detained, or searched to let us know. We won’t back down when it comes to protecting the rights of pilots. And we’ll keep working with CBP and policy makers to be sure we get a satisfactory resolution.
