T.J. Reid – Delta Co Airport Manager Interview about TSA Proposal to Reduce Screenings at Small Airports

Escanaba, Michigan – T.J. Reid, the new Delta County Airport Manager, joined Todd Pazz on the 8th Day Radio Show to discuss an plan widely disseminated about a plan by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to reduce screenings at about 150 small airports around the country.

T.J. Reid provided the interview to the 8th Day after he was contacted by an aviation security expert, Jeff Price, who he’d spoken to on several occasions (both previously worked at Denver International and Rocky Mountain Metro)  about the TSA’s recent announcement to eliminate screening at airports like Delta County.

T.J. Reid’s understanding is the TSA would essentially “back screen” passengers departing out of airports in the UP at their destination, allowing unscreened passengers to essentially fly unscreened and un-vetted.  “There is an EXTENSIVE history which indicates we should never allow unscreened passengers onboard commercial service aircraft, regardless of size or duration of flight. While this measure may save the TSA money, it is, for a lack of a better term, a horrible idea.”

Additional Quote(s) from T.J. Reid:

“While the TSA can be challenging to work with, their services are essential to protecting regional air travel we see in the UP, and this measure is inconsistent with current threats the industry has experienced over at least the past 10 to 15 years. Actually, historically we have seen an increase in the use of General Aviation aircraft used for terrorism plots specifically because smaller airports lack the same levels of security as larger airports. In this case, we are not talking about a small Cessna 172 now but a jet that can hold up to 53 people and thousands of gallons of fuel. Persons trying to cause harm, or disturb our air transportation system, look for target of opportunities where security is lax, this is not a secret. Eliminating security screening at airports like Escanaba would create a significant gap in security because unscreened passengers will be able to board aircraft here and fly, unscreened or vetted, leaving the fight between Escanaba and Detroit at risk.”

Because the TSA didn’t fully deny the plan when approached for comment, a number of elected officials, business magazines, and even employees at local airports weighed in.

TSA statement on passenger screening at U.S. airports

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

WASHINGTON – There has been no decision to eliminate passenger screening at any federalized U.S. airport. TSA remains committed to its core mission to secure the Homeland by screening more than 2.5 million airline passengers per day. Every year as part of the federal budget process TSA is asked to discuss potential operational efficiencies—this year is no different. Any potential operational changes to better allocate limited taxpayer resources are simply part of predecisional discussions and deliberations and would not take place without a risk assessment to ensure the security of the aviation system.

After a lot of uproar, and after our interview with T.J. Reid in the first week of August, a followup press release by the TSA:

UPDATE: TSA statement on passenger screening at U.S. airports

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

WASHINGTON – Contrary to recent media reports, TSA will not be eliminating passenger screening at any federalized U.S. airport. These media reports were based on information from a routine government budget exercise that examines various proposals, and such reporting is misleading and inaccurate. TSA remains committed to improving security, safeguarding our transportation system, and ensuring that over 2.5 million airline passengers get to their destinations safely every day.

Other topics covered in the interview:

• Local Employment for TSA screeners
• Upcoming Shortage of Pilots and Trained Aviation Techs
• The Efforts to Outreach new people into Aviation
• The Skyrocking Costs of entering Aviation Field
• Skydiving 2 Day Event at Delta County Airport

Listen:

• Great Lakes Radio Player: ( 22 Min. mp3)
• Default Device Player: ( 22 Min. mp3)

Delta County Airport Hosting Two-Day Skydiving Event

ESCANABA. MI – Delta County Airport will be hosting a two-day skydiving event at the Airport Thursday, August 16th and Friday, August 17th.

“This is the first event to kick off what will hopefully be an annual event” said Delta County Airport Manager TJ Reid. “We are working on revitalizing Aviation Day at the Airport and this event is the first step. Hopefully by next year we will host skydiving, static aircraft displays, and possibly the spot landing and flower drop competitions.” The event will be held at M&M Aviation, which is located at 2910 Airport Road.

Anyone interested in skydiving can call Skydive Harbor Springs in Chalovoix at 231-242-8822 for more information.

For more information, contact TJ Reid, Airport Manager at Delta County Airport at 906-241-8504