Airports at a Crossroad

Letter to TSA: 'A Lack of Cooperation'

In a letter to the Transportation Security Administration Chief Michael Chertoff dated September 25, 2006, the Airports Council International-North America called on the agency to collaborate with the industry. Excerpts ...

"SD 1542-04-08B is the latest example of TSA issuing rules without adequate industry input despite repeated commitments by TSA to collaborate, which we endeavored to do. TSA effectively excluded our input although ample time existed for consultation. "As a result, we face significant concerns and problems that could have been avoided. These include, among others, that SD 1542-04-08B (1) creates a disincentive to more thoroughly check certain individuals, as many airports currently exceed minimum TSA requirements; (2) sets an unrealistic implementation date; (3) places increased resource demands on airports without providing federal support; and (4) in some cases oversteps TSA regulatory authority. "Rather than a smooth transition to new rules based on cooperation, an adversarial and difficult situation has been created resulting in unnecessary strains on the TSA work force, airports, and others. This is not to suggest our system is not secure - it is secure - but lack of cooperation is not the best formula for moving forward with aviation security. "The intent of SD 1542-04-08B is important - to provide TSA and airports with additional background information on individuals working at airports. This SD has, however, created problems rather than solutions and we request that the TSA work with airports to revise it. While it would be inappropriate to discuss specifics publicly, this revision could be accomplished while meeting the current security threat."