The US Department of Homeland Security has expanded its “If you see something, say something” effort to include general aviation. The programme, first put in place with New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority, is designed in this case to encourage pilots, passengers and workers to report suspicious activities to the government using a special Transportation Security Administration (TSA) hotline and, in the future, through web or email options. DHS administrator Janet Napolitano (pictured), speaking at a press conference at EAA AirVenture on Monday, called the program a “force multiplier” for GA security.

Also at AirVenture on Monday, new TSA administrator John Pistole announced that GA aircraft leaving or entering the US will no longer be required to file passenger pre-screening information with both the TSA and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the flight. Starting 1 September, Pistole says crews will be able to submit a single manifest to the CBP’s online electronic advance passenger information service (eAPIS).

Pistole said the results of “just-completed” comprehensive risk assessment, now being reviewed by the US Congress, indicate GA does continue to pose “some risk”.

Source: FlightGlobal.com

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