The Transportation Security Administration has responded to calls from aviation advocacy groups to listen to industry input and has established a “stakeholder liaison position” dedicated to addressing concerns about recent security measures.
Several recent TSA initiatives, including the Large Aircraft Security Program, a security directive that would require additional screenings for general aviation pilots at commercial airports, and a “playbook” of security procedures that was applied incorrectly to GA operations, have alarmed members of AOPA, EAA, NBAA and others by proposing the imposition of heavy restrictions on GA. AOPA has been urging the agency to interface with pilots and operators in order for it to understand how its policies affect the GA community.
“Establishing a dialogue with stakeholders is crucial,” said Craig Spence, AOPA vice president for aviation security. “We’ve been frustrated about the lack of communication, and this is an important first step in opening the lines of communication so that the TSA can see the impact of its actions on general aviation.”
The TSA plans to provide an e-mail address for communication between the TSA and GA stakeholders, along with coordinated monthly telephone conferences. In addition to providing the TSA with feedback, the liaison could help to lift the “veil of secrecy” that has hung over many of the TSA’s recent proposals and security measures, Spence said.
For information: www.AOPA.org
