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[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 17-Apr-2023

  Hello [firstname], FFDOA SPECIAL UPDATE FFDO PROGRAM 20th ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY TSA HEADQUARTERS SPRINGFIELD VA   Hello and welcome to a special update from FFDOA President Bill Cason. This week the TSA acknowledged a special anniversary in our nation’s security effort.  The Federal Flight Deck Officer program celebrated 20 years of volunteer service providing the last line of defense to our nation’s critical transportation infrastructure.  TSA held a special ceremony at their new headquarters in Springfield, VA and invited all FFDOs to attend.  Additionally, distinguished guests were invited, which included those who were deputized in class 301-A, the first FFDO training class held in April 2003, and members of class 427-A, the first FFDO training class of cargo pilots in May 2004. I would like to thank the TSA Aviation Programs Branch (APB) for their efforts in what was a …


[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 17-Apr-2023

  Hello [firstname], FFDOA SPECIAL UPDATE FFDO PROGRAM 20th ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY TSA HEADQUARTERS SPRINGFIELD VA   Hello and welcome to a special update from FFDOA President Bill Cason. This week the TSA acknowledged a special anniversary in our nation’s security effort.  The Federal Flight Deck Officer program celebrated 20 years of volunteer service providing the last line of defense to our nation’s critical transportation infrastructure.  TSA held a special ceremony at their new headquarters in Springfield, VA and invited all FFDOs to attend.  Additionally, distinguished guests were invited, which included those who were deputized in class 301-A, the first FFDO training class held in April 2003, and members of class 427-A, the first FFDO training class of cargo pilots in May 2004. I would like to thank the TSA Aviation Programs Branch (APB) for their efforts in what was a …


[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 14-Dec-2022

  Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE Stakeholder Meeting 12-7-2022 FFDOA was well represented at the latest stakeholder meeting.  This meeting, held at the new TSA Headquarters in Springfield, VA., allowed stakeholders to not only meet with FFDO program leaders, but also TSA Administrator David Pekoske, Executive Assistant Administrator Tirrell Stevenson (FAMS), and Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator Brian Belcher (FAMS). Also, because we met at the TSA Headquarter building, FFDO Stakeholders were able to meet the staff which supports the program, including the Watch Desk Officers, Regional Coordinators, Supervisors and Admin.  These folks are dedicated to the program and work hard to support FFDOs, so we offer our appreciation and thanks for their efforts.  Because of the current environment of increased Unpredictable Screening Procedures (USPs) associated with the Known Crewmember Program (KCM), some time was spent with TSA leadership discussing (what we …


[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 14-Dec-2022

  Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE Stakeholder Meeting 12-7-2022 FFDOA was well represented at the latest stakeholder meeting.  This meeting, held at the new TSA Headquarters in Springfield, VA., allowed stakeholders to not only meet with FFDO program leaders, but also TSA Administrator David Pekoske, Executive Assistant Administrator Tirrell Stevenson (FAMS), and Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator Brian Belcher (FAMS). Also, because we met at the TSA Headquarter building, FFDO Stakeholders were able to meet the staff which supports the program, including the Watch Desk Officers, Regional Coordinators, Supervisors and Admin.  These folks are dedicated to the program and work hard to support FFDOs, so we offer our appreciation and thanks for their efforts.  Because of the current environment of increased Unpredictable Screening Procedures (USPs) associated with the Known Crewmember Program (KCM), some time was spent with TSA leadership discussing (what we …


Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 15-Sep-2022

  Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE FFDO Stakeholder Meeting 9-9-22 FFDOA was well represented at our first “in-person” stakeholder meeting last week in several months with myself and several board members present. The FFDO Program Branch Manager Denise Stark-Jones and Deputy Branch Manager Daniel Kuhn were in attendance representing TSA. We typically begin with a short briefing from the program on our FFDO mission count which is increasing as we recover from Covid drawbacks.  FFDOs are on par to accomplish nearly 1,000,000 missions in FY22.  The program estimates these missions cost the government around $22.00 per flight.  I think this is an impressive statistic and worthy of acknowledgement to our great FFDO volunteers who continue to provide a vital layer of security for our nation’s transportation infrastructure.  Budget issues continue to present what I believe is our biggest concern.  The FFDO program …


Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 15-Sep-2022

  Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE FFDO Stakeholder Meeting 9-9-22 FFDOA was well represented at our first “in-person” stakeholder meeting last week in several months with myself and several board members present. The FFDO Program Branch Manager Denise Stark-Jones and Deputy Branch Manager Daniel Kuhn were in attendance representing TSA. We typically begin with a short briefing from the program on our FFDO mission count which is increasing as we recover from Covid drawbacks.  FFDOs are on par to accomplish nearly 1,000,000 missions in FY22.  The program estimates these missions cost the government around $22.00 per flight.  I think this is an impressive statistic and worthy of acknowledgement to our great FFDO volunteers who continue to provide a vital layer of security for our nation’s transportation infrastructure.  Budget issues continue to present what I believe is our biggest concern.  The FFDO program …


[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association 9/11 Message from President Bill Cason

  Hello [firstname], On this 21st anniversary of 9/11, I wanted to take a moment to both reflect on the lives lost that day, especially our fellow crewmembers, and acknowledge each of you for your service and volunteerism.  I often remark when asked about the FFDO program that is not an easy task.  FFDOs take on an immense responsibility, willingly accept professional liability and must endure the constant requirements and training mandates that is attached to carrying credentials.  All of this with no pay and no recognition.   And while I know FFDOs did not volunteer for this program to receive those things, I would like take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our members and all of the FFDOs who provide the last line of defense for our nation's skies.     "All that is takes for evil …


[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association 9/11 Message from President Bill Cason

  Hello [firstname], On this 21st anniversary of 9/11, I wanted to take a moment to both reflect on the lives lost that day, especially our fellow crewmembers, and acknowledge each of you for your service and volunteerism.  I often remark when asked about the FFDO program that is not an easy task.  FFDOs take on an immense responsibility, willingly accept professional liability and must endure the constant requirements and training mandates that is attached to carrying credentials.  All of this with no pay and no recognition.   And while I know FFDOs did not volunteer for this program to receive those things, I would like take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our members and all of the FFDOs who provide the last line of defense for our nation's skies.     "All that is takes for evil …


[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 13-Oct-2021

          Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE  FFDOA leadership participated in an FFDO stakeholder conference call last week.  FFDOA was represented by myself, Paul Nelson and Mike Karn. We were joined on the call by the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service, Micheal Ondocin.  Director Ondocin gave us an update on several initiatives with both the FAMS and FFDO programs, and took several questions from the group.  Of course, many of our questions centered around the budget and my previously reported shortfalls for the FFDO program.  Director Ondocin confirmed that the program, like all of TSA, will be operating under a continuing resolution (CR) for the time being, but felt confident that FFDO would get the money needed to continue planned initiatives.  Although there was no firm commitment to initial training in FY22, he did indicate that …


[firstname] Federal Flight Deck Officers Association Newsletter 13-Oct-2021

          Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE  FFDOA leadership participated in an FFDO stakeholder conference call last week.  FFDOA was represented by myself, Paul Nelson and Mike Karn. We were joined on the call by the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service, Micheal Ondocin.  Director Ondocin gave us an update on several initiatives with both the FAMS and FFDO programs, and took several questions from the group.  Of course, many of our questions centered around the budget and my previously reported shortfalls for the FFDO program.  Director Ondocin confirmed that the program, like all of TSA, will be operating under a continuing resolution (CR) for the time being, but felt confident that FFDO would get the money needed to continue planned initiatives.  Although there was no firm commitment to initial training in FY22, he did indicate that …