Homeland Security: David Stone

By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

The Grand Ballroom in the Long Beach (CA) Convention Center housed the AOPA General Meeting for the second day with a full room, consisting of probably 1,200 pilots.

The topic was at the top of many pilot's nasty list: Security regulations that limit private aviation in the United States.

The guest of honor was Rear Adm. David Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). AOPA President, Phil Boyer, introduced Stone and itemized an impressive list of his accomplishments.

Boyer said that those who lobby the government [such as AOPA], "always like to focus on a single enemy [nervous audience laughter]. And [regarding TSA] we've partnered with them and we've held up our fist to them [Boyer held his fist up in the air]"

Stone politely laughed.

Then, confidently taking the microphone, Stone opened his speech by describing Transportation Security Administration values and culture.

The mantra is, "like three ships: Leadership, Partnership and Friendship."

He reported that TSA has 52,500 employees of which 47,500 are screeners at 450 airports. Stone continued that TSA is working to decrease the turnover rate of screeners (was 100% each year) and improve the loyalty of those on the front lines.

Leadership Mantra One

"TSA leadership includes leading in technology development." Stone continued with specific mention of Explosive Trace Hurtles, biometric technology (such as iris scan and finger printing), and registered traveler programs. Registered traveler programs are where frequent travelers provide finger prints and other identifications for increased access at TSA inspection points. Stone likes this because it, "raises the bar regarding security and allow increased focus on the unknowns versus the knowns."

Partnership (Mantra Two)

Partnership is really why I am here today" Stone said. "I am here to better understand the needs of general aviation." He talked of the levels of security at national, regional and local levels with respect for the ramifications of security measures on those who are law-abiding. He wants to make sure the industry and TSA proceed hand-in-hand because, "at the end of the day, we Americans want a system that assures our freedoms and access."

Stone said the way you get to that goal is through partnerships and understandings. He waved toward AOPA Boyer and said, "In Phil, you have a huge advocate and that is why we [TSA] sit down with him to review the problems about TFRs and airspace access."

Stone commended AOPA's Airport watch program "which is a tremendous help. Once each day I am briefed of all security issues and most days there are airport watch program reports," Stone said. "So we salute and thank all of you [AOPA audience] and we appreciate your awareness and help."

Friendship (Mantra Three)

Friendship: Customer service and privacy are primary definitions of friendship to TSA, according to Stone. He said the TSA is heavily vested in the concepts of preserving our freedom, protecting America and re-secure our borders. Stone pledged to, "continue those themes for you [AOPA audience] who are partners in the war on terror."

Stone summed up his points by saying that TSA has been charged with developing global plans for highways, pipelines, mass transit, rail, aviation, maritime, shipping and postal systems. TSA is working "furiously" at headquarters to accomplish these goals, according to Stone.

"In the spirit of these goals," he said, "TSA reaches out in ways such as inviting questions from those affected by TSA actions."

With that, AOPA Boyer set the rules for the audience Questions & Answer session. The spotlight then came up on the audience microphone for someone to ask the first in a long line of hard, sometimes contentious, statements and questions from the audience.

Stay tuned to "Security: Part Two" where we will list several of the hard ball questions and statements from AOPA members.

FMI www.aopa.org