Two aviation association executives have been appointed chairman and vice chairman of the Transportation Security Administration’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee (Asac).
Carter Morris, senior vice president of transportation security policy at the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), will serve as chairman; and Bill Cason, director of security for the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (Capa) will be vice chairman. Both men were nominated by members of Asac and are appointed to serve for a 12-month period, the TSA said.
The Asac evolved from the original civil aviation security committee, formed in the wake of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, in December 1988. The new private-sector leadership will work with the TSA to establish committee priorities, schedule meetings and develop working groups to provide recommendations to enhance security for the traveling public.
Asac is the TSA’s only federal advisory committee that provides recommendations for improving civil aviation security methods.
“Morris and Cason bring strong backgrounds in aviation to the table that will be invaluable assets in leading the committee,” said TSA Administrator John Pistole. “I am confident that their vision for the future of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee will be key in advising the TSA as it moves forward with a more intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to aviation security.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano revived the then-dormant Asac late last year, and Pistole has noted the “vital role” the Asac plays in balancing real-world security concerns with workable implementation of policy proposals. NBAA is among the 25 industry stakeholder groups.
Morris is responsible for all of AAAE’s security-related programs. Cason oversees all security initiatives and efforts of Capa.