Release #14.85
October 16, 2014
ALPA Commends TSA Administrator Pistole’s Commitment to Risk-Based Aviation Security
WASHINGTON—Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement regarding the resignation of TSA Administrator John Pistole.
“After four years of a strong working relationship with Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) is saddened to learn of his plans to retire. The airline industry in the United States and around the globe has benefitted from his dedicated leadership in advancing a risk-based approach to aviation security.
“Administrator Pistole has welcomed ALPA’s views and both respected and reflected our members’ recommendations in the work of his agency. One example is the tremendously successful Known Crewmember (KCM) program, which was introduced as a prototype in 2008 and enables TSA officers to positively verify the identity and employment status of airline crewmembers. The risk-based program allows the TSA to focus its attention and resources on those who present the greatest risk, improving security and the travel experience for passengers across the country.
“Administrator Pistole has also strongly supported the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program, which ALPA helped to create following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The FFDO program, which is another example of a risk-based approach to aviation security, uses airline pilot volunteers who become highly trained and deputized law enforcement officers to protect the security of the flight deck.
“Through the KCM and FFDO programs and in countless other actions, Administrator Pistole has made a tremendous difference in advancing the security of air travel in this country and he will be missed. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 30 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
