"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."