REFLECTOR: Fwd: Special Report: AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches

[Kevin Baker]

FYI 
Received this email from aopa tonight 

Thought folks might be intetested
Kevin Baker 

.

Begin forwarded message:

> From: AOPA_EPILOT at AOPA.ORG
> Date: June 19, 2013, 5:01:52 PM CDT
> To: FLYKB at VERIZON.NET
> Subject: Special Report: AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches
> 
> 
> Comments? E-mail pilotassist at aopa.org, call 800/USA-AOPA
> 
> June 19, 2013
> FIGHTING FOR PILOTS’ RIGHTS
> AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches
> With a growing number of reports from law-abiding pilots stopped by armed federal agents on the ramp, their aircraft searched by federal agents, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remains silent, and outrage is building. AOPA is questioning CBP’s authority to conduct the searches, and demanding a response from officials at the highest level. There has been no meaningful response to date from CBP to Freedom of Information Act requests filed months ago by AOPA and affected pilots.
> “We don’t even know why they’re being stopped,” said AOPA General Counsel Ken Mead, adding that the association will press the issue until satisfactory answers—or a change in policy—are forthcoming. “We’re not going to let this go with just lip service. The agency either has to stop its behavior or we’re going to need to elevate it to Congress.” Read the full story >>
> 
> What to do if stopped by law enforcement
> AOPA is still researching the legal specifics involved when federal agents, particularly CBP agents acting well inside the nation’s borders, detain a pilot and search an aircraft. As the association works to gain a fuller understanding of what is permitted, a convenient kneeboard reference card has been prepared for pilots who might find themselves the object of the agency’s attention. This step-by-step guide includes general procedures to follow when subjected to detention and search. Always be courteous and respectful, and remain calm. Answer questions truthfully, but succinctly. Do not volunteer information. Download the kneeboard reference card >>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://www.tvbf.org/mailman/private/reflector/attachments/20130619/ace1850a/attachment.html>