Update: The TSA oversteps its bounds. Again.

(My earlier note is here.)

.:: Aero-News Network: The Aviation and Aerospace World's Daily/Real-Time News and Information Service ::.:

"Rex Tippetts of Grand Junction's Walker Field (GJT) estimates he'll need 2,000 additional security checks and badges. 'It's out of control. We have a large maintenance operation here with 400 people. We have a large interagency fire-fighting operation here, with maintenance facilities.'

To defray costs of the programs, pilots needing access to the ramp at Grand Junction will be charged $130 each for badges... which will not be honored at any other airport."

AOPA Online: Pilots unhappy with TSA security directive:

"Under the current version of the directive, pilots based [emph. added] at air carrier airports are required to undergo a security threat assessment and receive a security badge in order to continue to have unescorted access to their airports."

AOPA seems to be less concerned than Aero-News Network about Security Directive 8F. AOPA indicates that the directive requires security badges for GA pilots, but only at their home airports. ANN seems to interpret the directive to mean that pilots will need badges for all subject commercial airports which they visit. Or else, on arrival at such an airport, to remain in their cockpits until a badged escort arrives.

Either way, it's a PITA. One might think TSA was trying to destroy general aviation.