NEW YORK, Aug 10, SPA -- The U.S. Transportation SecurityAdministration announced it would take over security checksof passengers and baggage at city heliports, days afterpolice were warned that al-Qaida had considered usingtourist helicopters as bombs. The federal government also will check names of passengersagainst lists of terrorist suspects and run backgroundchecks on helicopter tour operators' employees, accordingto a TSA directive issued late Monday. In addition, tour operators will be required to appoint anon-call security coordinator to answer security questionsfrom the government, the directive said.--SPA1425 Local Time 1125 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/190630