News Flash: Airport Security Conference

The Georgia Airports Association (GAA) represents all commercial and general aviation airports in Georgia.

The GAA will host an aviation/airport security conference on 19 Sep 02, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Macon Centreplex, Room 308. The purpose of the conference is to bring together professionals from throughout federal government, multiple state agencies, commercial and general aviation (GA) airports, and aviation businesses of all sizes concerned with airport security to discuss:

• Overall airport and aviation security now and in the future
• The preparation of general aviation airport security plans
• The potential for establishing a security platform that represents all of the airports in the state
• The establishment of a permanent airport/aviation security committee
• Follow-on airport security training for individual airports Participants are scheduled to include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Georgia Homeland Security (GHLS), and the Georgia Air Transportation Association (GATA).

Airport managers, security officers, airport authority/commission members, supervisors, and fixed base operators are all encouraged to attend. Mr. Bob Stapleton, Airport Manager of the Griffin Spalding Airport, is the conference coordinator and chairman. There will be a limit of 125 participants. Lunch will be provided, and there is no cost to participants. Conference reservations are required.

Please submit name, title, and phone number of participants no later than 31 Aug 02. Phone reservations may be made with Rhonda at (770) 227-2928, faxed to (770) 229-2346, or e-mailed to rstephens@cityofgriffin.com. Ground transportation from the Middle Georgia Regional Airport will be provided for attendees that are flying in for the day; park at the Lowe Aviation ramp-they will coordinate with the airport for transportation.

It is critically important to the future of our industry that we work together to address airport security issues in a proactive manner and consider making sound and reasonable recommendations to those responsible for development of new security programs for all airports. Information, education, and training will be provided. However, this will be a working conference that will encourage and demand direct participation from all attendees. It is GAA's desire that no one be left out and that there will be no voices left unheard. Hope to see you in Macon.

Carl (Lee) Remmel, A.A.E. President, GAA 2001-2002

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