Release #13.30
June 5, 2013

ALPA Statement on TSA Policy on Prohibited Items List

WASHINGTON - The following is a statement from the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l president Capt. Lee Moak, on the recent announcement over the prohibited items list (PIL) from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). ALPA affirms its support for the agency and for the security process in the United States.

“The Association maintains its full support for Administrator Pistole. We recognize that his willingness to incorporate a multitude of stakeholder views and then make often tough decisions, is the type of leadership needed to ensure the safety of our skies, airports, and cargo facilities. We applaud the thorough vetting of the issues and the agency’s dedication to ensuring that new security programs will improve the security of our nation’s skies.

“As a key stakeholder in enhancing the security of commercial aviation, and longtime proponent of risk-based security (RBS), ALPA has consistently advocated that the TSA incorporate all stakeholder views in the development of future applications of the RBS concept to include any proposed modifications to this list.

“ALPA fully supports RBS because it is a philosophical shift away from the older, traditional one-size-fits-all security practice of screening only for threat objects. While there is still a role for object screening, it is imperative that the security in this country provides screening that also includes detection of harmful intent and makes the most efficient and effective use of our security resources resulting in safer, more secure, flights.

“Since September 11, 2001, many additional layers of security have been added to protect aviation. These layers include Known Crewmember—an RBS program for the alternate screening of pilots and flight attendants, the use of passenger watch lists which includes a passenger no-fly list, the Precheck program which employs RBS principles by confirming the identity and expediting the screening of low-risk individuals, enhanced passenger and baggage screening technology/equipment, self-defense training of flight crew members, and the use of federal flight deck officers who, along with federal air marshals, protect our flights. All have led to significant improvements and increases in the level of aviation security.

“ALPA will continue to work with the TSA to maintain the safe skies above the United States of America and beyond.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilots union, representing more than 50,000 pilots at 33 airlines in the United States and Canada.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703‐481‐4440 or Media@alpa.org