As the shutdown continues with no end in sight, some people are speculating that TSA screeners may go on strike. Or, that more TSA workers will continue to walk off the job, have “blue flu,” or find an employer that can make a payroll, resulting in massive air system shutdowns. While I think a strike… Continue Reading
Today, the aviation industry screens passengers and their carry-on bags essentially the same way it did in the early 1970s. While detection technologies have changed to better detect threats and move people through the checkpoint, training and performance standards for screeners has improved, and risk-based processes have been implemented, the fundamental process is still the… Continue Reading
The Aviation Security Act of 2016 requires TSA to improve the eligibility requirements and increase the disqualifying criminal offenses for personnel working at an airport, who have unescorted access to certain airport security areas. Unfortunately, this doesn’t appear to be on the top priority of TSA as a few months back they decided to kick… Continue Reading
Airline passengers, airport managers and neighboring airport communities might expect to encounter new and advanced technology in the near future. In the safety and security area, passengers should expect to see biometrics being implemented into the checkpoint, and eventually into the passenger boarding process. In the future, ideally, a passenger face or other biometric will… Continue Reading
This is an evolving situation so facts may change the information expressed below. The theft of an aircraft out of SeaTac’s airport has shined a light on a rarely considered area of aviation security, the potential threat from those with unfettered access to an airplane. The last significant incident like this was the Germanwings first… Continue Reading
The news the TSA is considering removing screening from over 150 airports across the country is disturbing. While it certainly would save TSA a lot of money, other important issues must be addressed. A small aircraft would not make a very good weapon of mass destruction, yet it can still be commandeered and be an… Continue Reading
An interesting update on drone security was recently published by the AAAE Legislative Alliance on the H.R. 6438 DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator Act. Introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) July 18, 2018, the bill would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002, establishing a DHS Coordinator position to: Coordinate the development of policies and plans to… Continue Reading
You may or may not know that I am also a pilot. I began flying while still in college as I pursued my degree in Professional Pilot. So when a reporter contacted me for a story to ask a question about something she overheard while boarding a plane, I was happy to respond. A gate… Continue Reading
Have you ever played a game with a kid who is making up the rules as they go along? And if you start winning they’ll just they change the rules until you finally just get frustrated and quit? Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, at least it is for the adult. The kid had a great time.… Continue Reading
The recent emergency landing of the Southwest Airlines flight 1380 goes to show the importance of listening to the in-flight safety briefing. The life you save may be your own. However, just telling people to “listen to the briefing,” isn’t going to change behavior. As a frequent flyer myself I understand how repetitive the in-flight bright briefing can… Continue Reading