Aviation security is best achieved by integrating public and private aviation security global activities into a coordinated effort to detect, deter, prevent, and defeat threats to the Air Domain, reduce vulnerabilities, and minimize the consequences of, and expedite the recovery from, attacks that might occur. The Strategy aligns Federal government aviation security programs and initiatives into a comprehensive and cohesive national effort involving appropriate Federal, State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector to provide active layered aviation security for, and support defense in-depth of, the United States.

In June 2006, building upon the Administration’s successful efforts since 9/11, the President directed the development of a comprehensive National Strategy for Aviation Security to protect the Nation and its interests from threats in the Air Domain. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in accordance with National Security Presidential Directive-47/Homeland Security Presidential Directive-16 coordinates the operational implementation, including the integration and synchronization of related Federal programs and initiatives.

Through a collaborative interagency effort and with input from aviation stakeholders, seven supporting plans are being developed to address the specific threats and challenges identified in NSPD-47/HSPD-16. Although the plans will address different aspects of aviation security, they will be mutually linked and reinforce each other. The supporting plans are:

• Aviation Transportation System Security Plan;

• Aviation Operational Threat Response Plan;

• Aviation Transportation System Recovery Plan;

• Air Domain Surveillance and Intelligence Integration Plan;

• International Aviation Threat Reduction Plan;

• Domestic Outreach Plan; and

• International Outreach Plan.

Development of these plans will be guided by the need to revalidate and further enhance current aviation security principles. These plans will be updated on a periodic basis in response to changes in perceived risks to aviation security, the world environment, technology, air transport demands, the global aviation system, and national and homeland security policies. Together, the National Strategy for Aviation Security and seven supporting plans present a comprehensive national effort to prevent hostile or illegal acts within the Air Domain, promote global economic stability, and protect legitimate aviation activities.

For this and more information please see: http://www.dhs.gov/files/laws/gc_1173113497603.shtm