TSA Administrator John Pistole announced plans today to retire from the agency at the end of this year. He has led the TSA over the past 4.5 years using a “risk based” security philosophy that has shielded U.S. general aviation airports from onerous security rules. In a statement, NATA president and CEO Thomas Hendricks said, “NATA deeply appreciates Administrator Pistole’s service to the country and applauds his devotion to the safety and security of our transportation systems. His efforts in advancing risk-based security have made great improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency at our nation’s airports. We thank him for his steadfast leadership and for working with our industry as a partner.”