AOPA's Sakata named to security advisory committee

Transportation Security Administration Administrator David P. Pekoske announced his appointment of AOPA Director of Aviation Security Nobuyo A. K. Sakata to the TSA’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee for a two-year term as a general aviation representative.

The 31-member committee typically meets four times a year, helping develop; refine; and implement policies, programs, rulemakings, and security directives affecting aviation security. Members are appointed from private-sector organizations affected by aviation security requirements. The other member from the GA sector is Joseph Dalton, aviation security director of NetJets Aviation.

The ASAC was established in 1989 following the Pan Am Flight 103 terrorist attack. In 2014 it was made a permanent group within the TSA with enactment of the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act.

AOPA advocates a risk-based approach to aviation security, and Sakata’s appointment ensures that GA will continue to have a seat at the policymaking table as aviation’s changing security needs are addressed.

“AOPA continues to play an important role in shaping aviation security policies that impact GA. Nobuyo Sakata’s appointment to the ASAC presents opportunities to make sure GA’s viewpoint is considered,” said Rune Duke, AOPA senior director of government affairs for airspace, air traffic, and security.

In recent policy actions, the TSA on May 18 invited new public comments about the Alien Flight Student Program, based on ASAC’s recommendations. In 2017 the TSA published revised Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Operators and Users that were developed by the committee.