NBAA COO Steve Brown has been named to the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), which is tasked with providing recommendations for improving aviation security.

Prior to joining NBAA in 2004, Brown served as a top official at the FAA, including as the agency's associate administrator for air traffic, where he was a significant part of the government's response to the attacks of 9/11. He also served on the then-FAA Security Advisory Committee formed in the aftermath of the 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

“I am honoured to be recommended and named to the ASAC,” he says. “General aviation operators and NBAA members in particular value essential security outcomes as highly as they value operational safety. Risk and threats to achieving our goals are always present, and our work with TSA and the broader government will strengthen the aviation community's ability to continuously improve and adapt to this evolving environment.”

The ASAC is composed of as many as 34 members across 19 management areas, including GA, commercial airline and cargo operations, manufacturing, airport operators and security technology organisations. These representatives collaborate on the development, refinement and implementation of policies, programmes, rulemaking and directives pertaining to aviation security.

“Recruiting and retaining key thought leaders in aviation security is critical to the creation of a thoughtful, productive ASAC,” says TSA administrator David Pekoske in announcing the committee's latest members. “I am confident that this group of stakeholders will foster fruitful discussions that beget creative solutions and will enhance transportation security around the world.”

In recommending Brown to serve on the ASAC, Doug Carr, NBAA senior vice president of safety, security, sustainability and international operations, noted Brown's longtime expertise in advancing global aviation security standards and his ability to collaborate on effective and timely solutions. Carr also emphasised the critical role business aviation plays in maintaining a secure aviation environment.

“Many of NBAA's members participate in voluntary security programmes such as the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) or mandatory programmes such as the 12-5 Standard Security Program (TFSSP) and Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP),” concludes Carr. “Our advocacy at the local, state and federal level has enabled NBAA to participate in numerous TSA rulemaking and policy development projects over the past two decades.”