Contact: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, September 21, 2012 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes the recent release of a report by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-3-AL), focused on improving the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) operations, cutting red tape at the agency and providing guidance on working more closely with industry stakeholders on the development of regulations.
Rogers, chairman of the Security Subcommittee for the House Homeland Security Committee, released the study on Sept. 10, in conjunction with a hearing exploring TSA programs 11 years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The 59-page report, entitled, “Rebuilding TSA into a Smarter, Leaner Organization,” specifically calls upon TSA officials to carefully consider the general aviation (GA) community’s guidance on several industry initiatives, including a rule impacting repair station security, improvements to the program for foreign flight students and a revised Large Aircraft Security Program.
“NBAA is pleased that Chairman Rogers has conducted this review,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “The GA community has long sought to work in a collaborative fashion with TSA on programs that further enhance security, while preserving the mobility and flexibility that are the hallmarks of general aviation.”
Bolen pointed to specific initiatives in place for enhancing security, which resulted from successful government-industry coordination. For example, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the GA community worked with TSA officials to develop the “Airport Watch Program,” which raises security awareness at non-commercial airports, and provides a toll-free phone number for reporting suspicious activity to federal authorities. As another example, the industry worked with government officials to develop security guidance for general aviation airports and operators.
“When it comes to the development of security policies for general aviation that are effective, yet workable, the best approach is for government and industry to work together,” Bolen continued. “We thank Chairman Rogers for making that clear with this report, and we look forward to continuing to work with TSA officials on the areas identified in the study.”
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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 9,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.
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