Key Member of Congress Asks for ALPA Input on Cargo Security

Congressman John L. Mica (R-Fla.), the ranking Republican on the House Subcommittee on Aviation, recently wrote to ALPA president, Capt. John Prater asking for recommendations from ALPA on improving cargo security. Prater testified July 24 before the Subcommittee during the “Aviation Security: An Update” hearing.

The letter requests ALPA provide responses to the following questions:

• Does ALPA have any suggestions on how it might be possible to strike a balance between the security of cargo while not inhibiting the movement of goods to such a degree that it becomes a hindrance to commerce?

• It is my understanding that the Federal Flight Deck Officer program has outgrown the administrational capacity of the Federal Air Marshals Service. What types of changes does the FFDO community propose be made to make it more efficient?

• What kind of layered approach is used to ensure the security of cargo on a passenger aircraft?

ALPA leadership, the ALPA President’s Committee for Cargo, and the ALPA National Security Committee will develop a response to the congressman’s request.