Aviation Business Conference Wrap-Up Continued from page 27 business’ top executives in the administration of the pro- gram to ensure a culture of compliance and allocation of adequate resources. He added that while operators may contract with outside companies to provide certain services, such as watchlist checks, ultimately the TFSSP operator remains solely accountable for compliance. He emphasized that TSA inspections will focus on helping operators reach compliance, encouraging the use of self-audits and the agency’s voluntary disclosure program, when appropriate. Mr. Craig impressed on the attendees the need to stay engaged on the TSA’s secured TFSSP web- site to keep up-to-date on new directives, updates and compliance webinars that his team has planned. GA Customs Requirements, Procedures and Processes: A Conversation with CBP Eric Rodriguez, Program Manager – General Aviation U.S. Customs and Border Protection Moderator: Megan Eisenstein, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs National Air Transportation Association The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) session offered the opportunity for attendees to hear from Program Manager of General Aviation, Eric Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez shared his perspective on how CBP protects the nation’s borders and enforces laws, regulations and requirements pertaining to the movement of trade and travel. The CBP General Aviation office is responsible for GA processing, 28 specifically unscheduled commercial operators and private aircraft pilots. The session emphasized the agency’s com- mitment to progress, focus on compliance and account- ability in the GA community, and guidelines for building a healthy working relationship with Customs officers. Mr. Rodriguez explained that general aviation operators must be honest, reliable and accountable when interact- ing with Customs officers. For example, when transmitting the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) mani- fests, operators must pay close attention to detail and be as accurate as possible. When errors are detected, CBP officers expect operators to self-report the discrepancies immedi- ately, rather than having to be questioned by Customs. Mr. Rodriguez highlighted that operators must be familiar with the relevant rules and regulations enforced by CBP. If operators know the process (i.e. know local hours, staffing, and practices of a landing rights air- port) and applicable rules, it will help facilitate an effi- cient clearance process. Also, communication with CBP on common issues, such as when an operator is run- ning late, or transporting any pets, guns, or dangerous cargo, may seem obvious; but often, is not communi- cated and results in unnecessary delays and issues. Further, he noted operators should have confidence in holding CBP accountable by filing a complaint if appropri- ate. When complaints are filed, operators should resolve the issue with the local Port Supervisor(s). Likewise, opera- tors should recognize an exceptional experience interacting with CBP by using the same website to submit a compli- ment. All filed complaints and compliments should include pertinent details (i.e. who, what, where and when) to help facilitate a resolution in a timely manner. (Editor’s note: see help.cbp.gov to register compliments or complaints.) Session moderator Megan Eisenstein and Mr. Rodriguez discussed his current role as the Chairman of the CBP General Aviation Working Group. The group, comprised of CBP, NATA and other industry stakeholders, is work- ing to increase CBP efficiency and to streamline procedures for general aviation operators by utilizing industry best practices, training, and outreach. The Working Group is in the process of drafting the CBP General Aviation Operators’ Guide that will replace the Private Flyers Guide. The Guide will provide CBP information on gen- eral aviation requirements, procedures, and processes for the Part 91/91k and Part 135 communities. Aviation Business Journal | 3rd Quarter 2017
