Aviation and airport security

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NASA's Mission to Muslims

July 6, 2010

In a recent Al Jazeera interview with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Bolden revealed that the president had directed him to do three things: inspire children to study math and science; expand international relationships; and help Muslim nations feel good about their historic contribution to science, math and engineering. For all of the good intentions that may be in the President’s direction and Administrator Bolden’s heart for wanting Muslims “to feel good,” I’m more than certain that people of the Muslim religion are perfectly capable of feeling plenty of pride in their accomplishments in science, engineering, mathematics and so forth without the help of a U.S. government official. If you want people to feel good, respect them – don’t pander to them.

Rich Cooper |

June 25, 2010

This morning by voice vote, the US Senate confirmed the nomination of John Pistole to be the next Administrator of DHS’ Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In what has been a grueling odyssey for everyone involved, from former nominees and their families, the White House Office of Personnel, US Senate Members and staff, the people of TSA, and many more, permanent leadership is now in place at TSA.

Jeffrey Sural |

June 15, 2010

A couple weeks ago, air cargo industry representatives came together in Washington, DC, to hold an informational roundtable on the upcoming Congressional deadline mandating that 100 percent of all cargo carried on passenger aircraft be screened for explosives. Talking with the aviation security leaders who participated in the roundtable, we delivered the message that time is of the essence, and over 10,000 people logged on to view the webcast. TSA has seen applications for CCSP quadruple over the last month, and industry participation will determine the viability of the voluntary CCSP. But if industry fails or refuses to participate, it can expect a boot on its throat in the not too distant future.

New concerns arise over body scanners

Media Watch |

June 14, 2010

New concerns arise over body scanners – Chicago Tribune
As the government begins deploying whole-body imaging machines to replace metal detectors at airports nationwide, some security experts worry that the new technology could make it easier, not harder, to sneak weapons and explosives onto airplanes.

Security Debrief |

June 14, 2010

On June 3, DHS announced that it had completed an agreement with France to implement the Immigration Advisory Program (IAP) at the Charles De Gaulle International Airport in Paris. When Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are deployed later this summer, Paris will join Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Tokyo and Seoul (among other locations) as places where the IAP operates. The IAP enables the identification of high-risk travelers at foreign airports before they board aircraft bound for the United States, and DHS should continue to work with partners to export best security practices and standards more widely.

Unions unfazed by TSA nominee's punt on collective bargaining

Media Watch |

June 14, 2010

Unions unfazed by TSA nominee’s punt on collective bargaining – Government Executive
During his confirmation hearing on Thursday, President Obama’s nominee to head the Transportation Security Administration largely punted on the issue of collective bargaining rights. Nevertheless, federal employee unions said TSA needs a permanent leader and John Pistole should be confirmed.

Security Debrief |

June 11, 2010

In November 2009, DHS proposed establishing Global Entry – a pilot “trusted traveler” program – as a permanent fixture at U.S. airports. The final rule should be published soon, and in the meantime, the program continues to expand and facilitate international travel. Global Entry currently operates at 20 U.S. airports and allows U.S. citizens entering the country by air to skip immigration lines in favor of kiosks. The number of participants in these programs likely will continue to grow, particularly as Global Entry partnerships expand. This should be welcomed and encouraged, as it facilitates both travel and security.

Chris Battle |

June 10, 2010

Will John Pistole, the FBI deputy director nominated to lead the TSA, go the way of the previous two nominees? Let’s hope not, but it all depends upon whether certain Republicans intend to embarrass themselves – again – by demanding answers from Pistole that he simply will not be in a position to answer. I am speaking here of demands that he take a clear position on unions in the TSA. “The unionization issue,” Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison recently told CQ Homeland Security, “is clearly one that he’s going to need to answer.” It is not. He cannot. And he won’t.

Rich Cooper |

June 10, 2010

When the Chairman of any Congressional Committee uses the word the “embarrassing” to describe something at the very beginning of a hearing, a feeling or look of fear and dread is prone to appear in the testifying witness. That was not the case when it came to the nomination hearing of John Pistole to be the next TSA Administrator. He was cooler than a cucumber. The embarrassing factor, as mentioned by Chairman Rockefeller, was the fact that it has taken the Administration this long to find someone to put in this absolutely critical job. Pistole’s background and experiences literally put him in a category unto himself. Nowhere in the hearing was there question that there was any question about him. He was the perfect nominee and his performance showed it. The only problem with being someone that good is the metric that must be achieved.

Security Debrief |

May 26, 2010

Beginning this August, 100 percent of cargo bound for passenger planes must be screened before it is loaded. While this looming security deadline is reasonably well known to domestic air cargo companies (and somewhat less well known by thousands of shippers who may be affected), it is hardly known at all outside the United States. That is a problem, because the air cargo screening mandate applies not only to passenger flights within and from the United States, but also to foreign-originating flights to the United States.

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