Charter Jet Safety Update Sought in Congress on 9/11 Anniversary

House lawmakers seeking to crack down on loopholes that allow charter flights to skip typical airport security measures created a new bipartisan aviation caucus on the anniversary of 9/11.

The Aviation Safety Caucus, launched Wednesday and led by Reps. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.) and Marc Veasey (D-Texas), aims to push legislation to promote higher safety standards in skies and prevent any potential future attacks. The caucus’ first legislative effort is focused on advancing legislation (H.R. 9268) that would force charter operators to adhere to stricter security regulations as large commercial flights do.

“We have to keep these standards the same across the board, and let no one cheat the system,” Langworthy said Wednesday outside the Capitol building, flanked by uniformed pilots. “Terrorism remains a very real threat, probably more real than it has in the last several years.”

Lawmakers gather outside the US Capitol on the anniversary of 9/11 to launch a new Aviation Safety Caucus.

Photographer: Lillianna Byington/Bloomberg Government

The legislation, which garnered support from pilot and flight attendant unions, would require the Transportation Security Administration to update its screening requirements for public charter flight operators that offer individual seats in advance and ensure they are held to the same security standards as other scheduled commercial airlines.

The Biden administration is also working on toughening safety rules around public charter airlines as scrutiny of the operators has increased. The lawmakers said they are aiming to move the legislation this year, but face a time crunch and limited vehicles moving.

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“We expect there’ll be a lot of opportunities to attach this to something before the end of the year, we’re going to keep going,” Langworthy said. “If for some reason we’re not successful by the end of this Congress, this will get introduced on day one of the next Congress.”