Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement
Overview
General Aviation (GA) is a vital component of the aviation sector and the national economy that accounts for some 77 percent of all flights in the United States. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from pilot training to flying for business and personal reasons, delivery of emergency medical services, and sightseeing. Operations range from short-distance flights in single-engine light aircraft to long-distance international flights in corporate-owned wide-bodies, and from emergency aero-medical helicopter operations to airships seen at open-air sporting events. The sole characteristic that General Aviation operations have in common is that flights are not routinely scheduled; they are on-demand.
The Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement Aviation General Aviation Branch works closely with the 17 associations that make up the General Aviation Coalition to ensure security mandates are based on threat analysis and risk management, balanced with common sense. We recognize that one-size security does not fit all, and that different solutions are required for different environments and different classes of operators. We:
- Use a threat based, risk management approach to develop strategies, policies, and programs to reduce the security risks and vulnerabilities associated with GA operations;
- Recognize the diversity that exists in the industry and that "one size" security does not fit all stakeholders;
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop creative methods to enhance security and develop, disseminate, and consistently apply a framework of appropriate federal security standards;
- Understand the global impact of TSA security initiatives, and, where applicable, harmonize with international industry best practices and security measures.
Mission/Vision
To reduce the security risks and vulnerabilities associated with General Aviation operations through a threat based, risk management approach.
Latest revision: 23 December 2012