Story ID: 
Montana Senators Appeal to DHS Secretary
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Montana senators Max Baucus (D) and Jon Tester (D) have written to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressing the concerns of pi
Word Count: 109
Montana senators Max Baucus (D) and Jon Tester (D) have written to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressing the concerns of pilots about the TSA’s security directive that requires pilots based at airports serving airlines to acquire identification badges and transient pilots flying into air-carrier airports to remain close to their aircraft, leaving it only to walk to and from the FBO, service provider or airport exit. Senator Baucus pointed out that the “unfunded mandate may disproportionately impact rural airports and general aviation.” Senator Tester noted that “there needs to be a better understanding of the costs of these security changes, particularly to small, rural airports.”