This After The Agency’s Third Leader In Less Than Three
Years Resigns
For the third time in its
two-and-a-half year history, the Transportation Security
Administration’s chief is stepping down, once again leaving a
void at the top of an agency with profound impact on general
aviation. Admiral David Stone last week tendered his resignation
last week. He’ll stay on as agency’s head until
June.
"They almost need revolving doors to handle the comings and
goings of TSA and Homeland Security officials," said AOPA President
Phil Boyer. "We need consistent and steady leadership by the
individuals that shape our fragile flight environment."
With the departure of top officials following Tom Ridge's
resignation, several top jobs in the Department of Homeland
Security still remain unfilled. Meanwhile, new Homeland Security
Secretary Michael Chertoff is expected to announce major department
changes next month.
"What remains constant is that AOPA will continue its ongoing
efforts to reduce unnecessary security restrictions by working with
Congress and the federal agencies," Boyer said. "And we continue to
tell them — GA is not a threat."
And there may be a growing recognition of that in
Washington.
In a recent interview with AOPA
Pilot magazine, Rep. John Mica, the chairman of the House aviation
subcommittee, said, "Anyone knows you could load into an SUV or a
U-Haul much more dangerous quantities of explosives or biological
materials than you can in a small airplane. We need to look at a
risk-based system and spend our money where it makes the most
sense. We can't close off general aviation in this country."
Chertoff seems to be headed down the same path. He has on
several occasions said that his agency must set priorities by
degree of risk. He has specifically talked about shifting federal
security funds from smaller communities to large cities like New
York that are at a much greater risk for a terrorist attack.
"The same idea applies to general aviation," said Boyer, "and
we'll continue to carry that message to Secy. Chertoff, the new TSA
chief, and the rest of the security establishment."
AOPA also will continue its proactive security programs, like
Airport Watch. "We recognize that terrorism threatens us all, and
that general aviation can, and should, be part of the solution," he
said.
AOPA had excellent relations with Adm. Stone, who was a featured
speaker at last year's AOPA Expo in Long Beach, California.
"We hope that Adm. Stone's successor will demonstrate the same
openness and desire to understand and work with the industry," said
Boyer.