October 24, 2002, WASHINGTON – In a move to further balance security and the needs of the aviation community, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing revised rules that provide a readily available, low-cost way for pilots to carry acceptable photo identification when flying. FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey announced the new rules today at a conference sponsored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in Palm Springs, Calif. The new regulations also require pilots to present that ID when requested by the FAA, Transportation Security  Administration (TSA), National Transportation Safety Board or any law enforcement officer. Both rules are effective immediately.

The FAA expects the most commonly used photo ID will be a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or possession. The agency based its rule changes on a petition submitted by AOPA last February. AOPA suggested that a valid driver's license would be an immediate, cost-effective solution to address security concerns about pilot identity in the general aviation community. The organization also proposed that pilots be required to present photo identification on demand.

Other suitable forms of identification under the new rules are a valid federal or state ID card, a U.S. armed forces' ID, credentials that authorize access to airport secure areas, or other identification that the FAA accepts. The rules published today were developed in response to provisions contained in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), enacted in Nov. 2001. The TSA requested immediate adoption of these rules to help prevent hazards to aircraft, persons and property within the United States, and the FAA agreed. The TSA has issued other regulatory documents that became effective immediately to minimize security threats and potential security vulnerabilities. The FAA has issued the new rule changes without prior notice and public comment for the same reason.