Analisando este aviso da FAA da convenção da RNC de 2012 na Flórida, há várias referências para "operações de gateway" e "aeroporto de gateway (s)". Especificamente:
Aircraft not operating under a TSA-approved standard security program ... when the TFR is in effect must be security screened by TSA at a designated gateway airport or location.
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TSA security screening and gateway operations will be available on August 26 for those operators wishing to operate into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.
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TSA security screening at the gateway locations will consist of ID verification of all passengers and crew, watchlist matching, physical screening of persons and baggage, and inspection of the aircraft.
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Positive pilot identification procedures will be in effect during this TFR. Special ATC procedures and routes to and from this airport may be assigned prior to departure from a gateway airport. Upon departing the gateway airport, all aircraft must be on a VFR or IFR flight plan, maintain radio contact with ATC and continuously squawk an ATC-assigned discrete transponder code. Intermediate stops are not authorized unless there is an emergency. If an intermediate stop occurs, aircraft will be required to return to a gateway airport to be re-screened prior to continuing flight with the TFR
Em seguida, fazer referência a Postagem do TSA :
Dulles International Airport (IAD) will serve as the newest gateway airport, allowing certain pre-cleared general aviation operations, including corporate aircraft, charter flights, and on-demand operations, to fly directly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
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Aircraft must arrive from one of 17 gateway airports after flight crews have been vetted and passengers screened.
Assim, parece que "operações de gateway" são protocolos de segurança específicos para aeronaves que partem e chegam dentro de uma determinada área restrita.
EDITAR:
Parece que, se "Gateway Airports" e "Gateway Operations" são sinônimos, trata-se de procedimentos rigorosos de pré-esclarecimento definidos após 9/11. Tanto quanto eu posso dizer, estas restrições estão permanentemente no lugar para vôos no aeroporto nacional de Ronald Reagan (DCA), devido ao risco óbvio que a proximidade do aeroporto levanta a vários edifícios do governo federal.
Essas regras são chamadas de "DASSP" para Programa de segurança padrão de acesso do DCA . A consistir dos seguintes regulamentos
TSA inspection of crew and passengers.
TSA inspection of property (accessible and checked) and aircraft.
The start and end dates of flight must be indicated on the TSA flight authorization.
Identification checks of passengers by TSA.
Submission of passenger and crew manifests 24 hours in advance of flight.
Enhanced background checks for all passengers and fingerprint based criminal history records check (CHRC) for flight crew.
Armed Security Officer (ASO) on board each flight.
All operations are subject to cancellation at any time.
All unscheduled operations to/from DCA require an FAA Slot Reservation.