... revealed some comments about the economic state of the industry and the new TSA GA security director. The National Air Transportation Association has a host of sector-specific committees, made up of reps from aviation service and associated companies, which meet periodically in person or via teleconferencing.
The group pretty much represents the U.S. geographically, and no one was reporting any significant resurgence in activity. It’s still an industry in recovery mode. Comments one operator, “We’re seeing things improve slightly.†Says a supplier, “There are some pockets out there, but it’s still a roller coaster ride.â€
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration recently announced that Brian Delauter has been selected to serve as the agency's acting general manager of the General Aviation Branch. He previously served as the federal security director at Savannah International Airport. He’s a 15-year GA pilot with multiple ratings, and was a “commercial aviator†with Northwest Airlines, says TSA.
Since the creation of TSA, the GA community has been striving to get its message heard within the agency – a difficult task considering it’s often been a challenge with TSA’s revolving door with personnel. Should Delauter stick around for a while, it could be a good thing, says NATA’s Eric Byer, who heads up government affairs for the association.
Comments Byer, “He’s a GA guy … and a good guy.†Adds a supplier who recently heard Delauter during an NBAA security council meeting, “He really understands our world.â€
Byer also says that he’s been encouraged how the process of communicating GA’s side of the security message has improved during the past six months. Of course, six months ago the industry was in an uproar over TSA’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program. That has been pulled, and TSA is going to issue a supplemental proposal which Byer expects will be “right on†with recent industry recommendations.
Thanks for reading. jfi