SUPERVISORS TO VOTE WEDNESDAY ON ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE BACKGROUND CHECKS ON FOREIGN FLIGHT STUDENTS

By Miriam Raftery

February 1, 2014 (San Diego) – A proposal to require background checks on foreign pilots training at local airports, including Gillespie Field in El Cajon, will be heard by San Diego Supervisors at their Wednesday meeting at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held in the County administration building, 1600 Pacific Coast Highway.

Two of the Al Qaeda terrorists who flew planes into buildings in the 9/11 attacks in 2001 had flight training at Montgomery Field in San Diego.

The ordinance is proposed by Supervisor Dianne Jacob in light of what supporters say are inefficiencies in the federal screening process and the proliferation of foreign flight schools at Gillespie.

The El Cajon City Council voted unanimously last week to endorse the ordinance, which is also supported by Advocates for Safe Airport Policies, a group of neighbors living near Gillespie Field.  The measure is opposed by local flight schools, who contend the added scrutiny is not needed.