From another list I frequent:

Since I haven't used my own license for decades, can someone with a PP elaborate?

Yes, it's true. It's called "SecureFlight" and is a TSA program enhancement. Part of it is already in force. But the phase that begins November 1, 2010 requires you to have certain personal information coded into your PNR by 72 hours before departure, so that your profile can be run against various government databases well in advance of the day of departure. This information includes:
- Full Name (First, Middle, Last)
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Redress # if applicable

If you don't get government clearance, then the airline will not be able to issue you a boarding pass either online or at the airport. The stated goal is to reduce the number of false matches to the watch list by collecting more data....so if John A. Smith is on the list, the rest of the John W. Smiths, John M. Smiths, etc. will not be prevented from traveling erroneously.



Here's TSA's description of the program:
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/


Here's a link to AA's description of how it is implementing the program:
http://www.aa.com/viewPromotionDetai...&_locale=en_US



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Note that this information is completely separate from the DHS/ICE-mandated information that must be in your record by 1 hour before departure of a flight that departs to a location outside US territories, or arrives in the USA from foreign soil, such as passport number, country of issue, date of issue, date of expiry, etc.

I believe that the OP was talking about General Aviation flights. If so, What about emergency flight plans?

I dont see this flying (pun intended) as TSA interfering in Helicopter EMS or Fixed Wing EMS would be opening themselves to liability and lawsuits they do dare want to be involved in. then considering some of the flight medics and nurse i do, smurfs might find themselves in a world of hurt, if not a flatliner.

Zero correct information if you are asking about applicability non part 121 flights.

I was wondering about this too. If anyone could shed more light on this it would be great! I can't count the number of times that I have only had a few hours to grab a bag, get to the airport and take a flight. If I needed to book up a minimum of 72 hours prior, it would put a huge damper on my ability to do so.

It's my understanding that you can still book within the 72 hour window, but they must verify your info before issuing the ticket. Otherwise, how would this make any sense?

The question is about general aviation, Cessna's, helicopters, Learjets, etc.

+1

Makes me getting a pilots license somewhat unattractive

I don't believe there is any such regulation pending - AOPA would tear it apart.

I've heard nothing about this from the FBO that I utilize. Can you post a link to the original discussion?

I believe the OP is confused with the requirement of having passenger data on file with airlines 72 hours prior to departure.

My spouse received a letter from AA with that info and I told her we are already in the system and can book flights as close to departure if needed.

I do object to having to have government permission to travel which is exactly what this process is.

Yup, and I hope the ACLU or the Anti-Turning-the-US-Government-Fascist League or someone sues to get it thrown out.