Just another useless scare tactic to be employed by our “security conscious” politicians to better track you, Ermmmm… I mean the terrorist…
As of this very moment in the (post 9/11) USA you must produce your license AND a valid state or government issued PHOTO ID to purchase fuel at the chain FBO’s as well as the independent FBO’s which we frequent during our 91 charter ops.
Also the Police and in some cases National Guard meet you on the ramp with a request for License and photo ID as well as a barrage of questions about your trip.
Where you from, and where you going?
What’s the wx like in pucker factor Montana, bla bla bla…
So the need for yet another ID/piece of paper I must carry around with me to be added to a list that included my Company ID, State issued Drivers license, Government Social Security Card, Pilots Certificate(s) and a Medical Cert. Is somewhat useless…
As for a national database for my flight times and habits, I don’t like the sound of that at all. If the government wants to review my flight times all they need to do is request either in writing or during a ramp check to see my logbook, which I carry with me at all times while on duty. Or they can contact my employer and request to review my company training records.
The photo ID on the pilots license is that big a deal with me, but I cannot see how this would deter anyone with money and a cold determination, such as a terrorist from acquiring one. Besides weren’t the terrorist pilots anyhow?
All this would be is another angle for the government to establish yet another data base for the purpose of keeping track of us serfs.