Pilot Certificate Implied Ramp Access?
Does an FAA pilot certificate inherently grant any sort of ramp access at public airports? I keep a small GA plane at a regional airport, and have had no problem having the FBO desk worker open the drive-through gate so I can drive out to the plane (I take gas cans out there to run auto gas in it). I also use the wash hanger they have from time to time. Last night I was informed by the desk attendant that the airport police told them since my last visit that no vehicles were allowed on the ramp unless the driver had a line badge, and that no one was allowed to walk on the ramp without one, unless they remain within 30 feet of a line guy. This means no using the wash hangar unless a line guy sits there "escorting" you, and you have to wait at your aircraft to be escorted to the FBO building.
Ok, well, I applied for a badge about two months ago and was told I would get a call in a couple days to come watch some safety video and get it. Supposedly the only thing the badge was for was to allow me to get through the drive gate on my own and not have to walk in to ask them to buzz it open, so I figured I wasn't in a hurry and it didn't really matter. I called today to inquire about the status of my application, and was informed that they just shredded the application because I didn't submit payment (first I heard of a fee) with the application. Alas, the real reason for the crackdown is apparent - $$. They want to charge me money to go out to my own aircraft for which I already have a lease agreement on the tie down spot! Are there not any sort of implied ramp access privileges granted by a pilot certificate? I'm curious if the FAA would care that airport police are restricting pilots' movement to/from their aircraft for financial gain.
I'm expecting a few negative responses due to the current climate where the answer to the question "can the police (insert literally anything)" is always yes. I'm not a cop hater by any means, but this seems like a useless money grab/power trip by the very bored airport police.