A Transportation Security Administration directive mandating badging at airports serving commercial air carriers is scheduled to go into effect June 1. This requirement expands the airport identification process to include private aircraft owners, GA maintenance providers, FBO employees, flight instructors, flight school students and other airport tenants needing unescorted access to the airport operations area (AOA). The National Air Transportation Association is concerned that the TSA has chosen a security directive to promulgate regulations affecting a broad category of previously unregulated individuals. Those people, including delivery persons, will need to undergo a “security threat assessment,” which includes fingerprinting and a criminal history background check. NATA believes that the TSA should approach the issue of securing the AOA of commercial airports by issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). By following the federal NPRM process, those affected by the proposed rule could voice their concerns and offer suggestions on the best methods for securing the AOA.