TSA Revises Operation Playbook
Saturday, April 11th, 2009When local TSA officials attempted to implement Operation Playbook at several FBOs last fall, there was an outcry of objection from the affected pilots and from many aviation organizations (including NBAA, NATA, and AOPA). The TSA developed Operation Playbook with the goal of enhancing security at airports by adding unpredictability and flexibility to security initiatives. The intent was to have local TSA and FBO officials work together to coordinate enhanced security measures. However, some local TSA officials incorporated these security measures at FBOs without advance notice. These measures included airliner-style inspections of pilots and passengers arriving at the FBO to gain access to their aircraft.
These improper measures were reportedly conducted at Nashville International and T-hangar tennants were subjected to unusual security measures at Melbourne Airport.
In a “white paper” issued by the TSA on March 12, the agency said it has shifted its resources from a static, checkpoint-based security model to a more nimble, unpredictable approach that starts well before passengers arrive at an airport. “We are extending this effort and including our airport partners,” TSA said. However, since the details of Operation Playbook remain a classified security initiative, it is not possible to learn what the TSA has planned nor how it wil affect general aviation aircraft owners, pilots, and their passengers.
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