WHITE HOUSE
COMMSSION ON AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY
THE DOT STATUS REPORT
LOOKING FORWARD
Much was accomplished in the first year of implementing the recommendations of the White House Commission. A total of 15 recommendations have been fully implemented, and substantial progress has been made on the remainder. Much more will be accomplished in the second year. Among the recommendations to be fully implemented in 1998 are:
1. Improving Aviation Safety
1.4--The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) should be simplified and, as appropriate, rewritten as plain English, performance-based regulations. FAA has developed and distributed guidance handbooks for writing in plain English. The agency is currently reviewing planned and existing regulations for candidates for change.
1.10--The FAA should develop better quantitative models and analytic techniques to inform management decision-making. FAA developed and will begin implementing a long-term plan for coordinated model development, documentation, and utilization; FAA will also make its new cost accounting system, now baselined, fully operational.
2. Making Air Traffic Control Safer and More Efficient
2.2--The FAA should develop plans to ensure that operational and airport capacity needs are integrated into the modernization of the NAS. A Concept of Operations has been incorporated; FAA will identify and integrate airport capacity needs.
3. Improving Security for Travelers
3.2--The FAA should establish federally mandated standards for security enhancements. Standards have been established for certification of explosives detection systems, the use of trace explosives detection devices, and canine teams; standards are in process for certification of trace explosives detection devices, and the use of manual and automated profiling programs and automated bag match technology.
3.5--The FAA should implement a comprehensive plan to address the threat of explosives and other threat objects in cargo and work with industry to develop new initiatives in this area. A Report submitted, and FAA is incorporating changes into its Air Carrier Standard Security Program.
3.7--The FAA should work with airlines and airport consortia to ensure that all passengers are positively identified and subjected to security procedures before they board aircraft. Comments were received on proposed changes to Air Carrier Standard Security Program and the program will now be finalized.
3.10--The FAA should work with industry to develop a national program to increase the professionalism of the aviation security workforce, including screening personnel. FAA is improving training curricula and working with airlines to deploy the Screener Proficiency Evaluation and Reporting System (SPEARS).
3.12--Establish consortia at all commercial airports to implement enhancements to aviation safety and security. Consortia have been established at 41 major airports and will be expanded to 200 airports by the end of 1998.
3.15--Deploy existing technology. FAA has begun deployment of trace explosives detection devices and SPEARS; deployment of 79 explosives detection systems and advanced automated security devices will continue through 1998.
3.19--Complement technology with automated passenger profiling. Deployment of Computer Assisted Passenger Screening [CAPS] System has begun to all airline reservation systems.
There are several factors that will affect implementation of all the White House Commission recommendations, including those described above.
First, new recommendations have been made and new directions set over the last year. The National Civil Aviation Review Commission (NCARC), established by Congress, evaluated FAA financing and aviation safety. The main financing conclusion was that FAA cannot continue "business as usual", but must pursue innovative financing, including user charges to finance a "Performance-Based Organization" to provide air traffic management services. NCARC’s main safety recommendation was for FAA to develop a "Safety Strategic Plan" that prioritizes safety initiatives such as those proposed by the White House Commission.
At the same time, the Department of Transportation and each of its operating administrations have developed new Strategic Plans. For aviation, the key mission areas are the same: safety, security, and an efficient aviation system that serves mobility and economic development. FAA’s plan in particular focuses on a core set of priority areas and projects that it will track corporately. Many of the White House Commission's recommendations form the basis for that top priority list.
Another factor that has influenced the speed at which some key White House Commission recommendations are implemented is financing. Congress provided $144 million in supplemental funding in FY 1997 toward the deployment of 54 explosives detection systems, which is proceeding. The White House Commission recommended funding of $100 million per year. A request for $100 million is included in the President’s FY 1999 budget request.
Other key recommendations where funding is crucial include accelerated modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), the related recommendation to ensure the accuracy, availability, and reliability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for satellite navigation, and conducting research emphasizing human factors and training. No new funding was provided in FY 1997 or 1998. The President’s FY 1999 budget proposes a $90 million increase in the Research, Engineering, Development account and a $254.5 million increase in Facilities and Equipment FY 1998 levels. The President's budget allows us to keep modernization of the air traffic control system on track.
It is here that the financial recommendations of NCARC will come into play, as carried forward in new FAA reauthorization legislation to be introduced in Congress. A key NCARC principle is that, while FAA’s safety functions should be paid for by the general public, direct users of air traffic management services should be charged the costs of a separate, performance-based organization to provide those services. The NCARC recommended funding of the safety function should be kept separate, to preserve objectivity and promote safety throughout the aviation system. Those should be goals of Congress, the aviation community, and the Executive Branch in considering the next FAA reauthorization.
Many White House Commission recommendations have been and will be implemented with little or no new external funding. Most are on target to be implemented as planned. In a few cases, issues have been raised that must be considered in implementing recommendations. The Postal Service, for example, has some concerns about screening mailed packages weighing over a pound. These, however, will be addressed. The Federal Government remains committed to timely implementation of the far-reaching recommendations of the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security.