A new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) general aviation working group assembled recently to discuss issues with both government and industry representatives. NBAA, AOPA and a number of industry leaders were among the participants, and NBAA said it expects membership to grow as the group establishes itself.

The first meeting examined ways to improve communications between industry and the agency and to >establish more consistency from port to port, NBAA said. The group also discussed streamlining procedures for operators CBP is clearly committed to working with industry and wants to hear directly from operators on the issues that are most important to them,” said Sarah Wolf, at NBAA.

CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske announced the plans for the working group during a meeting in the summer with NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. The group is expected to be similar to advisory groups CBP created for air transport and cargo. NBAA praised its creation, saying it would provide an opportunity to educate and heighten awareness about the unique requirements of business and general aviation.