The federal government wants to slap new security rules on private jets, prompting an outcry from Kansas lawmakers and the general-aviation industry.
The rules, proposed by the Transportation Security Administration, would apply post-9-11 security measures to larger private planes used by the nation's corporate elite.
Affected would be dozens of planes used by some of Kansas City's biggest employers. Among other things, the rules would ban certain carry-on items and require aircraft operators to match passengers to terrorist watch lists.
Critics say the hassle could very well take the comfort and expediency out of flying in a corporate jet and hurt the Kansas aircraft industry.
"Time value is the single most crucial piece that we bring to the corporate business world," said Ed Chevrestt, vice president and general manager for Executive Beechcraft Inc., which manages aircraft at Wheeler Downtown Airport.
"If you take that out of the mix, why would you want to own an airplane?"
But the TSA contends that smaller planes pose a real security threat.
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