TSA Administrator John Pistole has announced his intention to retire at the end of the year for a job at Anderson University. Pistole, with a little more than four years in the top TSA job, is the longest-serving administrator. He is credited with implementing a more “risk-based” approach to transportation security, including the popular Trusted Traveler and PreCheck programs that allow enrollees speedier trips through security lines. His boss gave a nod to that effort in his statement on Pistole’s retirement. “John Pistole has been integral in leading TSA’s transformation to a risk-based, intelligence-driven counterterrorism agency dedicated to protecting our transportation systems,” said Jeh Johnson, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. “Because of his efforts over the past four and a half years, our country’s transportation systems are more safe and secure.”
Pistole has concentrated his efforts on airline security and while he’s attended several high-profile GA events there hasn’t been much impact on GA under his watch, which has suited GA leaders just fine. In fact, in their obligatory comments on Pistole’s departure, they were hard-pressed to mention any specific GA initiatives that occurred during the last four years. Meanwhile, the next TSA boss will have his work cut out for him as terrorists get more sophisticated in their efforts to disrupt transportation. There is reportedly a concerted effort by terrorist groups to create explosive devices that won’t show up in standard airport screenings.
