Dec. 9, 2013
NBAA welcomed recent passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R.1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013, which would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to permanently establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), a government/industry group that collaborates on security policies.
The measure was passed by the House on Dec. 3. NBAA strongly supports the legislation as it will as it will codify the existing ASAC (on which NBAA participates), and requires the TSA to consult with the ASAC on aviation security matters. It also requires the ASAC to develop recommendations to improve aviation security when requested to do so by the TSA.
According to the bill, the ASAC may include up to 32 member organizations, representing a wide array of groups with interests in aviation security, including air carriers, all cargo air transportation, indirect air carriers, aircraft manufacturers, airport operators, general aviation representatives, and more. The bill formalizes the structure of a General Aviation Security Subcommittee that is currently within the ASAC, and on which NBAA serves.
“This legislation includes language addressing the unique needs and diversity of the general aviation community and assures that the General Aviation Security Subcommittee becomes a permanent part of the TSA ASAC program,” said Doug Carr, NBAA vice president for safety, security & regulation. “We commend the House members who introduced, co-sponsored, and supported this bill and are optimistic the bill would face similar enthusiasm if it reaches the Senate.”
“Historically the TSA has been very engaged with the ASAC, considering it a valuable government/industry partnership,” Carr added. “The permanent establishment of the ASAC, and more importantly for NBAA’s Member Companies, the General Aviation Security Subcommittee, will allow NBAA and other GA organizations to continue to have a positive impact on security policies affecting our industry. We know that government/industry collaboration often produces the most reasonable, effective security measures.”
The General Aviation Security Subcommittee was the leader in developing the TSA’s “Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports,” a list of voluntary guidelines and recommendations for GA airport owners, operators and users to address aviation security concepts, technology and enhancements in 2004 and earlier this year provided the TSA with recommendations for revising the guidelines.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.