Advocacy Organization Maintains Its Spot On The Panel

A recent notice from the Obama administration confirms that the business aviation community will continue to have an advocate on a committee formed to provide Transportation Security Administration officials with feedback about the potential impact of TSA procedures and regulations on the industry. A November 7 notice from TSA stated that NBAA was included among 24 other industry stakeholder groups to be named to the agency's Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC).

NBAA had been a member of the ASAC during past presidential administrations, but the November 7 notice from TSA was the first announcement confirming the committee's membership during the Obama Administration.

"In previous administrations, TSA officials have valued the ASAC in helping address a number of general aviation security issues," said Doug Carr, NBAA Vice President for Safety, Security & Regulation. "We are pleased that the current leadership at TSA and DHS intends to continue including a business aviation representative on the ASAC, and we are confident that federal security officials will benefit from the group's expertise and experience."

TSA Administrator John Pistole recently noted the "vital role" the ASAC plays in balancing real-world security concerns with workable implementation of policy proposals. "I look forward to working with these key security and industry leaders as we continue evolving into a high-performance, world-class counterterrorism organization that focuses on risk-based, intelligence-driven, layered security," he stated.

The ASAC evolved from the original civil aviation security committee, formed in the wake of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1989. Today, in addition to its consulting role on determining new policy, the group also gauges feedback from aviation businesses and organizations on the effectiveness of existing TSA practices, and recommends improvements where necessary.

A total of 27 industry representatives may serve on the committee, based on the specific needs of the ASAC at a given time, with members serving two-year terms.

FMI: www.nbaa.org