TSA revises LASP proposal

TSA revises LASP proposal

06-Jan-2010

By Matt Thurber

While the business aviation community may have been hoping that the Transportation Security Administration’s controversial Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) would go away, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testified last month that the TSA plans to issue a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) “before the end of 2010.”

LASP, as originally proposed in October 2008, would require all operators of Part 91 aircraft with an mtow of more than 12,500 pounds to create a TSA-approved security program (see article page 12), put all flight crew through FBI criminal history background checks, compare all passengers against the TSA’s watch lists and impose new restrictions on carriage of certain items in the cabin.

Napolitano told the Senate aviation subcommittee that the TSA will incorporate the input from GA stakeholders that it has sought throughout its rulemaking process for the SNPRM, including five public meetings, and hold “additional comment outreach sessions” with affected stakeholders to gain further input and feedback.

Late last summer, the agency re-engaged its aviation security advisory committee (ASAC), a part of the TSA that is charged with recommending improvements in security methods, equipment and procedures for civil aviation.

Government and industry officials received an update on the proposed LASP that was rescinded earlier in the year after a storm of overwhelming negative comments, which some have estimated at nearly 7,400. Napolitano said the TSA received 8,000 comments in response to the initial NPRM.

NBAA enlisted members to testify before Congress about their concerns with LASP. In July, Martha King, co-owner of association member King Schools, told the House subcommittee on transportation security and infrastructure protection that general aviation operators are concerned about security measures that sacrifice liberty without benefit to society.

“This proposal does not recognize the significant differences between airline operations and noncommercial operations, which do not carry members of the general public,” she explained. “General aviation operators personally know everyone on their aircraft. I believe general aviation security would be best enhanced by having the TSA establish a rulemaking committee to address the questions and concerns raised by industry and the public on the LASP.”

Source: AIN Online

Our Secret Santa Brought To Us...

We had a lot of fun participating in the 'Last Chance' Christmas Gift Exchange, which was hosted by Eve at Tranquility... and Turmoil.

As Eve is part of this company, she felt that someone else might have trouble discerning what we would be interested in because we're a business blog and asked if she could partner us with someone who knew us. We agreed...

And we were very happy to find out that Mike was our Secret Santa!
Look at what he sent!


You can't tell from the photo, but this is one heavy airplane - cast iron! And about 7 inches long.

The perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts.

Thanks Mike!

We are looking forward to checking out the other pages to see what everyone has received!

Merry Christmas!

Some 'Last-Chance' Christmas Fun!

We're participating in the
'Last Chance' Secret Santa Gift Exchange...

Come on over to Tranquility... and Turmoil
and join us for some Christmas fun!

NBAA, Security Meetings and Photos

The consulting team had a wonderful time at NBAA, albeit a short one. Mark and Mike both had to return to flying on the 21st.

Mark presented our concerns and ideas to the annual meeting of the NBAA Security Council, including the need for GenAv to take ownership of general aviation security. In addition, risk assumptions by underwriting must be a key component in the development of loss and risk mitigation relative to GenAv security programs and protocols.

GenAv and underwriting hold the core competencies and understand the dynamics of GenAv, its stakeholders and needs. This knowledge base is generally lacking in Government agencies that are typically reactionary by nature and design.

The exhibit hall was noticeably more spread out this year, reflecting reductions in participation. A good portion of this is understandably due to the economic downturn. But lets not forget Congressional comments (and media participation) in helping to accelerate the decline; this being the same Congress who is provided free use of corporate aircraft to get home and other functions. Thanks folks!

Remember those of us in general aviation (including corporate) vote too. I’m sure a reminder of that fact will be coming your way next year. Enjoy!!

Mark’s flight department was invited for cocktails and dinner by Air BP at the JW Marriott Resort. We met up with Ron Reynolds, Operations Manager at Million Air Burbank. This is Mark’s choice of FBO at Burbank for their consistent top-shelf service. We had a great time.

Other folks we ran into included Jan D’Angelo, VP of Chartis, with whom we have been discussing underwriting’s role GenAv security, and Jill Wells, Assistant Manager of El Aero Services in Carson City, Nevada where Mark’s flight department is based. He speaks very highly of this FBO and the staff.

The NBAA Conference - We're back from Florida.

We are back from Florida.
The NBAA Conference and Trade Show was a wonderful experience.
We will be posting photos very soon.

Aviation Security

We take your aviation security concerns very seriously!

While we constantly pursue knowledge in striving to enhance the depth of our competencies, we stick with what we know. We don’t rely on arbitrary supposition in hope of successful outcomes, but dedicate ourselves to our client’s demands for successful outcomes. Any other approach is unacceptable.

In order to exceed the needs of our clients, Stein and Baltimore, LLC is focused on our core competencies. We are not a "one-size-fits-all" organization and we do not waste valuable resources trying to outdo potential competitors; we stand on our own.

At Stein and Baltimore, LLC, we limit our business to General Aviation Security, Operations, Part 119/135 program development, Business Aviation Business Development and General Aviation Human Resources.

NBAA CONVENTION

Stein And Baltimore, LLC will be speaking at the NBAA Convention in Florida on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at the Hilton Orlando.