Aug. 12, 2018
When newspapers across the country recently published an often misleading Associated Press story regarding a DHS notice about general aviation (GA) security, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen was quick to respond.
In a letter now published by at least 20 media outlets that ran the story, Bolen noted the story “Included not a single aviation-industry source,” adding, “The reason TSA audits have never found general aviation airplanes to be a security concern is that the industry has always made security a top priority, with a host of measures that harden aircraft from threats.”
Read the full letter to the editor:
Dear Editor:
Your recent story (‘U.S. issues hacking security alert for small planes,’ July 30) missed or mischaracterized some key points about small-airplane security.
First, the article pointed to a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notice, inferring it was focused only on cybersecurity concerns for small, “general aviation” aircraft, when the fact is, the notice applies to all aircraft, from airliners on down.
Second, the story – which included not a single aviation-industry source – arguably misrepresented the nature of the potential security breach involved. For example, the piece failed to fully explain that for the scenario to occur, an individual would need to actually board an aircraft, dismantle its avionics system, locate a certain, small piece of technology and effectively disable it.
The reason such a relatively complex scenario hasn’t unfolded – the reason TSA audits have never found general aviation airplanes to be a security concern – is that the industry has always made security a top priority, with a host of measures that harden aircraft from threats. An Airport Watch program includes a toll-free reporting number directly to the TSA. Pilots carry tamper-resistant, government issued ID, and passengers on many general aviation flights undergo strict background checks. The government cross-checks records for airmen, and monitors aircraft sales to find suspicious activity.
These are the facts about general aviation security – it’s unfortunate your readers might have been led to believe otherwise.
Ed Bolen
President and CEO
National Business Aviation Association
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.