Comment Submitted by Brad S. Bieganski

I am concerned about the safety of our country however, this proposal will not work because of logistics involved. I fly frequently into Mexico on humanitarian missions and finding a working telephone is sometimes very difficult. To find an Internet connection is all but impossible and is not available at International airports. And to receive a reply via any medium for permission to enter the US in a foreign country prior to departure is not possible. Mexico?s DGAC has communications but there are a lot of reasons why messages get dropped. This includes power outages, phone lines down, offices closed, officials not available, etc. The only positive way to get a message to the US is via satellite phone, (which very few have) cell phone which don?t always have service in the required area, or VHF radio from an aircraft when within 100+- miles of the border. Private aircraft are not scheduled airlines or charters. We are adversely affected by weather, winds aloft, passenger personal needs, etc. The proposed contact fees to be charged by Homeland Security will greatly increase the cost of flying International. Customs already has a procedure in place regarding advance notice, checking passports, etc. of all arriving passengers, and has physical force and facilities to detain any person that they feel should not be allowed to enter the US. I would ask that you please contact and work with the Baja Bush Pilots to serve as a spokesman for those that fly in and out of Mexico in an effort to help creating a workable situation. Thank you,