Flying into DCA

[NCherches]

Has anyone on here flown into DCA (Washington National) lately? I know there is all kinds of new proceedures / policies but wanted too see if it is really as difficult as the TSA makes it sound?

40 GA flights Daily
Security Guards on Flights
Must depart from a 'Gateway'
Etc.

Thanks for any/all info...

 

[Gulfstream 200]

At a previous job we did DC access.

Its really not difficult at all, but takes some time and its NOT cheap.

start here?

http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/programs/dassp/

All in all it certainly not worth the hassle unless you go a few times a month (?)...other than that use KIAD.

 

[NCherches]

My guess is we might go in 1, possibly 2 times per month... sure doesn't appear to be worth it.

 

[ultrarunner]

Go to IAD. You're WAY ahead of the game in costs, and you DO NOT have potentially fly and extra leg to depart from a gate-way airport, and MOST importantly, you DO NOT have to have someone on board your airplane that has access to your passengers and their business!

 

[NCherches]

So are they really putting Armed Security Officers on EVERY DCA inbound GA flights?!?

 

[MaxTorque]

Exceptions

You can occasionally get a waiver if flying in high level politicos and avoid the gateway/security personnel issue.

MT

 

[BoilerUP]

Metro Washington Airport Authority is in favor of easing TSA restrictions on GA access at Reagan...probably because they want to generate $$$ and operators would pay a premium to use DCA vs. IAD as long as they didn't have all the DASSP hoops to jump through.

http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2010/01/23/arlington/news/nw280.txt

Considering how quickly government moves, I wouldn't hold my breath...

 

[G4G5]

We do it all the time, I am their next week.

Is it worth it, hard to tell. From a cost of doing business over IAD, then the answer is no. For the additional BS that the flight crew has to go through, then the answer is a resounding NO!

But, if you ask my boss, the guy riding in the back, the one paying my rent, then the answer is yes. He loves the fact that he does not have to sit on Belt Way traffic for an additional hour each way in and out of IAD.

He understands the additional costs, we gave him the pluses and minuses and let him make the decision. I do have to say that he will have us go into IAD when appropriate.

 

[NCherches]

Anyone know what the costs of participating in the DASSP are? Im guessing the Landing fee's are even higher than Signature SFO?

 

[semperfido]

Don't miss DCA at all