TSA Security Rule for Repair Stations (Status Update)

Yes, TSA is still working on its Repair Station Security rule.

The 2003 FAA Reauthorization called for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a program that ensures security of domestic and international aircraft repair stations.

TSA published their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Repair Station Security on November 18, 2009. The comment period closed on February 19, 2010, and they received over 300 comments.

In their past testimony to Congress, TSA has recognized:

There is no “typical” repair station. They take many forms depending upon the type of maintenance performed, number of employees, and location. Some repair stations are on airport premises, but many are located in industrial parks nearby. Work can range from major aircraft overhauls to repairing radios or sewing seat cushions.

This has made the regulatory process particularly difficult for TSA, as they have attempted to develop a rule that meets Congressional intent while at the same time recognizing the variety of operations (and of threat levels) that exist.

The TSA rulemaking team is still working on the comments and the Final Rule is anticipated for later this year, according to government sources as well as the Unified Agenda.