December 17, 2004 • Washington, DC

Admiral David M. Stone (left), assistant secretary of homeland security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), said on December 17 that the TSA Access Certificate (TSAAC), which has been used as the basis for granting waivers for certain international operations, is likely to be modified and used in the future to facilitate business aviation access to security-restricted airspace and airports in the United States. His comments came at a meeting at NBAA's Washington Headquarters with NBAA's Board of Directors. This marks the first time that the agency's leadership has publicly discussed TSAAC to facilitate domestic security access.

"We are very pleased with Admiral Stone's determination and look forward to working with TSA to make this happen," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen (right). Stone also said that he strongly supports the relationship that his agency has developed with NBAA, and he looks forward to working closely with the association in 2005.