Hello [firstname],

FFDOA SPECIAL UPDATE

FFDO PROGRAM 20^th 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 worthy celebration and acknowledgement of FFDOs efforts over 20 years.  FFDOs have flown over 21 million missions in the life of the program, at a cost to the government of only around $20.00 per flight.  This demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of this unique program.  

Speakers included Ellen Saracini, wife of Captain Victor Saracini who perished on UAL 175 on 9/11/01.  Mrs. Saracini has been a tireless advocate for secondary barriers on commercial airliners since 9/11 and is active still today on Capitol Hill.  Also, former FFDOA President Capt. Marcus Flagg (pictured), whose parents RADM Wilson F. Flagg and Darlene E. Flagg were aboard AA 77 when it crashed into the Pentagon, spoke at the event.

As the current President of FFDOA, I would like to add my sincere appreciation and acknowledgement of every FFDO who has selflessly put themselves in harms way to ensure “NEVER AGAIN ON MY WATCH”.  As I have stated, I believe the FFDO embodies what is best in our national character and this recognition from our parent agency is well deserved.  We must continue to fight to ensure the proper support and funding are readily available to achieve our objective and grow our population. 

"The only thing required for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing."

 Thank you for your service!

 

After the ceremony, the FFDO Stakeholder Group, which was well represented by FFDOA leadership, held our quarterly meeting with APB at TSA HDQTs with Branch Manager Denise Stark-Jones and Dep. Branch Manager Daniel Kuhn. 

Our discussion included an FFDO program budget briefing, and we are mildly  encouraged by the level of funding in the President’s budget, should it be approved.  Initial training continues this year with the goal of replacing pandemic attrition.  Around 2000 applicants are approved for initial training, and the program continues to reach out to former FFDOs who may have a desire to be reinstated.

The Glock19 weapon's refresh is on track as well.  IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE NEW WEAPON, THE PROGRAM WILL END APRIL 30, 2024….NO EXTENSIONS WILL BE GRANTED.

The program has restarted issuing practice ammunition after requalification, 50 rounds, with the intention of increasing to 100 rounds later in 2023.

As a reminder, an FFDO who presents for KCM expedited screening MUST do the following:

1. Must have their flights logged into the Dashboard
2. Identify as FFDOs
3. Present Badge and Credentials
4. Swipe or scan KCM barcode
5. Provide Aircraft Operator Identification

IMPORTANT:  THE FFDO CREDENTIAL CANNOT BE USED AS ONE OF THE REQUIRED IDs WHEN THE FFDO IS NOT IN POSSESSION OF THEIR ISSUED EQUIPMENT 

FFDO Program Initiatives:

1. Moving initial training to the FAMS Training Center in Atlantic City, NJ
2. Expanding the Atlanta RTP site
3. Developing an RTP site near the West Coast
4. Senior FFDO program
5. Expanding International Harmonization
6. FFDO Open Houses
7. FFDO Curriculum Review

 

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

As a reminder, FFDOA partners with FEDS to provide quality professional liability insurance to FFDOs, and FFDOA members receive a 30% discount off regular rates.  We highly recommend PLI for ALL LEOs, including FFDOs, so check it out!  

https://fedsprotection.com/federal-flight-deck-officers-PLI

 

WANT TO HELP?

FFDOA is still looking for help!  All FFDOA Officers and support are volunteers.  We want to grow our Association and expand our presence on Capitol Hill.  Want to help?  First and foremost, SPREAD THE WORD!  Word of mouth is our best method of advertising, so spread the word to join FFDOA and let's grow our numbers!  

WE NEED SOME INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) HELP!  

If you have some IT experience, specifically website design and maintenance, and would not mind volunteering a few hours here and there, please let me know....our website is our office and we need help ensuring that it is properly maintained and updated.  Thanks!!!!

Lastly, I want to add my special thanks to our FFDOA volunteers who spend their free time working to process memberships, legislative improvements, industry discounts, accounting and so much more.  Your time and efforts are appreciated!!! 

 

Bill Cason

President

FFDOA

bcason@ffdoa.org