Re: CAA: Mutual Help List, "Airport Security: Statutory Experience in a Regu...

[BThomp129@xxxxxxx]

Well, Steve you certainly know how to start an interesting discussion!

My opinion is that these individuals reported management skills (for the sake of this discussion I am assuming that they have the reported skills) could serve them well. However, their lack of knowledge of airport environs and functionality will offset some of that gain. As all of us are keenly aware -- airports are complex operations with thousands of individuals traveling, providing passenger comfort, working on the constantly ongoing construction projects, contract ramp personnel, supply vehicles, etc.-- and multiple thousands of these individuals are badged. In fact at the top ten airports there are typically in excess of 50,000 security badges issued.

As a person that travels about 200,000 miles a year (happily coming to visit all of you) one of the major problems in airport screening is consistent training. Each company, sometimes shift, does it a little different. I have to partially agree with Robert Crandall that all that has been accomplished so far is higher pay for the same screeners and a lot of unfunded mandates.

Addressing only the screening process is just the beginning -- what direction will those knowledgeable about airports be allowed to teach and advise to these individuals. I certainly hope they will work closely with existing airport security management. And since I am on the high side of mid life I can say this -- so far the announcements I have seen are all individuals with decades of LEO experience, just hold old are they and what is the plan to replace them when they really retire. Has any base template been developed to give these individuals guidance? Or how about Basic Airports 101 or perhaps, remedial?

I think it becomes ever more difficult to promote and police airports while retaining enplanements. Does a former LEO understand as travelers we want to get to our destination quickly that is why we fly -- have they been given any instructions on trying to improve the passenger flow or only to check each and every one?

How will these individuals work with the airlines and the airlines contracted service providers? I am still confused as to who runs the airport -- the TSA agent or the airport sponsor? Will the TSA person begin a rewrite of the airports ASP?

I have talked to a few freinds at the FAA HQ and they tell me the lawsuits are pouring in over screening issues -- will these individuals help or add to that problem?

A lot still needs to be considered, discussed and resolved.


Bobbi Thompson
Executive Vice President
Airport Business Solutions
17040 Pleasure Road
Cape Coral, FL 33909
239-573-9647
Fax 239-573-9648