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Pilots say Air Marshal Director Choice Critical to Airline Security

The Airline Pilots Security Alliance (APSA) says aviation security is at a critical juncture and the individual the Bush Administration selects to oversee the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) will “make or break” the nation’s ability to protect itself from new 9/11’s.

WASHINGTON, DC (PRWEB) January 26, 2006 -- The Airline Pilots Security Alliance (APSA) says aviation security is at a critical juncture and the individual the Bush Administration selects to oversee the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) will “make or break” the nation’s ability to protect itself from new 9/11’s.

The Administration will appoint a new FAMS Director this month to replace outgoing Director Thomas D. Quinn. Quinn was widely criticized for alienating air marshals and Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDO) by compromising the marshals’ cover with a formal dress code, and for lobbying against a bipartisan security bill designed to improve the FFDO Program.

“The type of individual this position needs is an experienced law enforcement officer with years in the field – not a bureaucrat,” says Captain David Mackett, APSA President, and a commercial airline pilot. “The Administration has an opportunity here, to dramatically improve the safety of the flying public by appointing a frontline officer who has been in the trenches in both undercover law enforcement and aviation security operations. We are hopeful the Administration will choose a Director who will energetically work with FFDOs and air marshals to cooperatively address the urgent terror threat to commercial aviation. The wrong choice could perpetuate the bureaucracy that has hamstrung airline security in the past.”

“We must have a last line of defense against terrorists aboard our airliners,” says Captain Robert Sproc, APSA Vice President. “Every other layer of aviation security has failed repeatedly, even as Al Qaeda promises new attacks on the U.S. are being planned. We simply cannot wait any longer to give the federal officers who protect our flights the tools and leadership they need to be responsive to the security of the American people.”

APSA says it is possible to dramatically lower security costs, improve efficiency and reduce intrusive passenger searches to get passengers on their way quickly and safely by improving other elements of airline security like airborne protection.

“We could have airline security that is almost impenetrable and much more convenient to the public, for one-tenth of what we’re spending,” says Mackett. “It’s a win-win. But we’ve got to have experienced professionals leading from the front.”

About the APSA
APSA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides expert information and guidance to the public and policymakers to implement sensible and effective aviation security measures that provide REAL enhancements to the safety of airline passengers and crew, and REAL deterrents to terrorism directed at the commercial aviation sector. Founded in the wake of the 9-11 tragedy, and working closely with pilots associations, law enforcement and industry experts, our membership includes thousands of active and retired commercial airline pilots representing virtually all major U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. We also welcome members of the flying public concerned with improving aviation security to join our ranks.

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