Aero-Views: AOPA Decries TSA's Revolving Leadership | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-07.07.25

Airborne-NextGen-07.08.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.09.25

Airborne-FlightTraining-07.10.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.11.25

Tue, Apr 12, 2005

Aero-Views: AOPA Decries TSA's Revolving Leadership

This After The Agency’s Third Leader In Less Than Three Years Resigns

For the third time in its two-and-a-half year history, the Transportation Security Administration’s chief is stepping down, once again leaving a void at the top of an agency with profound impact on general aviation. Admiral David Stone last week tendered his resignation last week. He’ll stay on as agency’s head until June.

"They almost need revolving doors to handle the comings and goings of TSA and Homeland Security officials," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We need consistent and steady leadership by the individuals that shape our fragile flight environment."

With the departure of top officials following Tom Ridge's resignation, several top jobs in the Department of Homeland Security still remain unfilled. Meanwhile, new Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is expected to announce major department changes next month.

"What remains constant is that AOPA will continue its ongoing efforts to reduce unnecessary security restrictions by working with Congress and the federal agencies," Boyer said. "And we continue to tell them — GA is not a threat."

And there may be a growing recognition of that in Washington.

In a recent interview with AOPA Pilot magazine, Rep. John Mica, the chairman of the House aviation subcommittee, said, "Anyone knows you could load into an SUV or a U-Haul much more dangerous quantities of explosives or biological materials than you can in a small airplane. We need to look at a risk-based system and spend our money where it makes the most sense. We can't close off general aviation in this country."

Chertoff seems to be headed down the same path. He has on several occasions said that his agency must set priorities by degree of risk. He has specifically talked about shifting federal security funds from smaller communities to large cities like New York that are at a much greater risk for a terrorist attack.

"The same idea applies to general aviation," said Boyer, "and we'll continue to carry that message to Secy. Chertoff, the new TSA chief, and the rest of the security establishment."

AOPA also will continue its proactive security programs, like Airport Watch. "We recognize that terrorism threatens us all, and that general aviation can, and should, be part of the solution," he said.

AOPA had excellent relations with Adm. Stone, who was a featured speaker at last year's AOPA Expo in Long Beach, California.

"We hope that Adm. Stone's successor will demonstrate the same openness and desire to understand and work with the industry," said Boyer.

FMI: www.aopa.org

Advertisement

More News

NTSB Final Report: Aviat A1

Airplane Bounced About 3 Ft Then Touched Back Down And Then, With No Brakes Applied, The Airplane Began Veering To The Left Analysis: The pilot entered the airport traffic pattern >[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (07.08.25)

Aero Linx: British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) The primary focus within all aviation activity is SAFETY. In all aspects of our sport SAFETY must come first, whether it b>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: Fly Corvair’s Reliable Engine Alternative

From SnF25 (YouTube Edition): William Wynne Builds Practical Aircraft Engines on the Corvair Platform Seeking an affordable alternative to the traditional aircraft engine options, >[...]

ANN FAQ: Contributing To Aero-TV

How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: CiES Fuel-Quantity and e-Throttle Systems Praised

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): Bridge of CiES CiES Inc. is a Bend, Oregon-based designer and manufacturer of modular embedded aircraft systems and sensors. The company’s fuel-l>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC