"If You See Something, Say Something" Targets GA Pilots And Passengers

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and new TSA Administrator John Pistole announced what they describe as two major enhancements to GA security Monday at EAA AirVenture 2010. The agency is launching a GA component to its "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign, and a streamlined system for vetting passengers and crew of GA aircraft entering and exiting the United States through a single, Department-wide Process.

DHS Secretary Napolitano, TSA Administrator John Pistole

"This new component of 'If You See Something, Say Something" will enable general aviation passengers and crew to better recognize and report behaviours and indicators associated with new an devolving threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "We are also transitioning to a streamlined system for vetting travelers of general aviation flights to and from the United States to provide a single screening process while maintaining robust security standards."

"As we saw in the Times Square attempted bombing, the public plays a key role in security," said Administrator Pistole. "We ask that general aviation pilots and community members to join us in helping to keep general aviation secure through 'If If You See Something, Say Something' and by helping to develop new programs and initiatives, such as our new streamlined vetting system for international general aviation travel.

"If You See Something, Say Something" was originally implemented by New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority and funded in part by $13 million from the DHS Security Grant Program. It is designed to raise awareness of indicators of terrorism, crime, and other threats and emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.

The GA component is the second major expansion of the program since June. Secretary Napolitano said if pilots or passengers see any suspicious activity around airports, they should call the TSA Hotline at 1-866-GA-SECURE.

For pilots and passengers traveling internationally on GA aircraft, DHS announced it is streamlining the process for pre-screening passengers and crews entering and exiting the U.S. on those aircraft. Pilots and passengers can now file a single manifest to the Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) - the U.S. CBP's online tool for submitting GA data. The filing will fulfill both CBP and TSA international waiver requirements and promote a Department-wide approach to maintaining robust GA security standards. DHS is targeting September 1st to launch the streamlined system.

"We are encouraged to see TSA and CBP collaboration to streamline the process for our members and eliminate unnecessary paperwork and redundant procedures," said AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller.

"Security has always been a top priority for the business aviation community, and these two new security enhancements reflect an understanding of how our industry operates. and also how government and industry can enhance security without sacrificing mobility," said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. "We thank the TSA and DHS for working with industry on these measures, which will be fully effective and workable as a result of our collaboration."

FMI: www.tsa.gov, www.dhs.gov, www.cbp.gov