NBAA Tightens Aviation Security

Maintenance and protection of airspace and airport access will be the prime task of a security council the NBAA has formed under the leadership of Douglas Schwarz of AT&T. The former chairman of the association's safety committee is also charged with preparing a code of best practice- for the industry, intended to ensure the safety and security of business aviation and passengers.

The council, establishment of which was announced at the inauguration of the NBAA convention, will develop and maintain the best practices document and maintain the security section of the NBAA Management Guide. This is a reference designed to assist existing corporate aviation departments with t-heir operational, maintenance and administrative requirements and provide guidance for establishing and operating a flight department.

Through creation of this security council, the NBAA hopes to increase its participation in government security dialogue, gain government approval of corporate aviation security practices, and regain business aviation access to Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which has been closed to general aviation since September 11, 2001.

"Today's security issues determine access to airports and airspace," said NBAA president Jack Olcott. "The NBAA is focused on maintaining the excellent record of secure operations by corporate flight departments."

By Paul Jackson