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Aviation News Item: 08959
24th May 2010
TSA Tightens Security After Times Square Scare
Source: aviationweek.com
Hundreds of charter operators last week were forced to verify their access to a Transportation Security Administration Webboard as part of the measures the agency is taking to tighten security in the wake of the failed bombing attempt on New York's Times Square. TSA this month issued a directive requiring all operators subject to the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) or Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP) to verify access by their employees to the Webboard, a key portal that provides links to watch lists, security directives and other information necessary for operations. Certain operators use the Webboard to check passenger lists against the no-fly list.
The directive requires TFSSP and PCSSP operators to create a list of each employee with Webboard access, and submit those lists to their local principal security inspectors (PSI). The directive further requires all individuals with access to update their own profiles on the Webboard.
The National Air Transportation Association issued an urgent alert to members, warning, "The TSA will purge its user access lists. Anyone not verified by an operator as having and continuing to need access will be deleted from the system." TSA gave a short window for compliance - the update needs to be completed by May 19, NATA told members.
Most members have been able to meet that deadline, noted Eric Byer, vice president of government and industry affairs for NATA. Some will need to work with their PSI to ensure continued use. NATA issued its alert to about 2,500 operators, but the TFSSP/PCSSP requirements only cover about one-third of those operators.
TSA also has altered its passenger manifest requirements, but granted NATA's request to incorporate special procedures for TFSSP operators. The Department of Homeland Security earlier this month began requiring operators to check no-fly lists within a two-hour time frame when additions or changes are made. Operators previously had 24 hours to recheck the lists.
The shortened time frame spurred considerable concern among smaller charter operators, who feared that the requirement was too restrictive. TSA, however, subsequently issued new guidance that provides an alternative means of compliance. NATA says the new compliance method "better reflects the operations of small air carriers." The association advised members to consult the Webboard to review the new guidance.
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