Rep: Train the FAA's Radar Guns on Ultralights

Here's an idea that should fly: Stop drug smugglers from flying under the radar - literally.

Sen. Tom Udall, a Democrat, and Sen. Dean Heller, a Nevada Republican, have introduced legislation that would bring ultralight aircraft under regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The small aircraft are not classified as aircraft by the FAA and the bipartisan proposal would close a loophole drug smugglers are taking advantage of by making the maximum penalty the same for smuggling by ultralight as that for smuggling by plane or automobile - up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The same legislation was introduced in 2010 by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., whose district borders New Mexico's southwest corner. The House overwhelmingly passed it in the last Congress.

In the wake of heightened border security, government officials say drug cartels are stepping up use of the single-seat aircraft, which are quiet, inexpensive and can fly at night without lights. According to information from Udall's office, they often can evade radar detection and can drop drugs in U.S. territory and return to Mexico without landing. The Los Angeles Times reported in May that there were 228 crossborder incursions by ultralights in the Southwest during the fiscal year that ended in September 2010.

Drug enforcement agencies need all the tools they can get to stop the influx of illegal drugs spilling across Southwestern states' borders.

When Congress returns from recess, this is one bill that should fly to President Obama's desk.