Ever been camping? Imagine heading to the great outdoors for an extended camping trip. Hikes in the forest, walks on trails, skipping rocks on the lake, sitting around the campfire at night. But after a few days, we wake up one morning to find out that a wolf has invaded our campsite. Everyone’s okay, but… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Aviation Security
15th Annual AAAE/DHS/TSA Aviation Security Summit, Part II
Although the airport security industry missed out on meeting TSA Administrator Neffenger, the annual security summit did provide some updates on other programs: ● Status of Rapback: Rapback is a criminal vetting process that automatically resubmits aviation worker fingerprints to determine if an individual who already has an airport identification badge, has subsequently been arrested… Continue Reading
Your 2016 New Years Aviation Security Resolutions
It’s 2016 and have you set your New Year’s Resolutions yet? Not the ones you’ll forget about in two weeks, but the ones that will make your airport, your airline, your facility, yourself, a hard target when it comes to terrorist and criminal threats. I know it’s a busy time of the year, so let… Continue Reading
Airport doth Protest
Operations were disrupted at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, when activists from Black Lives Matter were able to shut down at least one terminal at the airport, for a period of time, and caused traffic jams for inbound travelers. Other airport operators should pay close attention as this may become a more popular form of protest moving… Continue Reading
15th Annual AAAE/DHS/TSA Aviation Security Summit, Part I
Many who attended this year’s Aviation Security Summit were disappointed that industry leadership unfortunately did not get the opportunity to meet with the new TSA administrator, Peter Neffenger. According to his representatives, he has had a heavy travel schedule and was feeling under the weather. Particularly unfortunate because his first exposure to the airport security… Continue Reading
Star Wars Premiere May Attract Another Kind Of Evil Empire
The premiere of the seventh and likely the most highly anticipated installment of the Star Wars films, is bringing the fans and their costumes out in droves, but may also attract the wrong element. While I hate to be the guy that tosses a metaphorical wet blanket on all the fans sleeping outside theaters, I… Continue Reading
State Department Issues Worldwide Travel Alert
The US State Department today issued a worldwide travel alert in effect until February 24, 2016. The alert was issued because authorities believe the likelihood of terrorist attacks will continue, and that terrorists will employ both conventional and nonconventional weapons and targeting official and private events and interests. So what does this mean? Should you… Continue Reading
Time for an Active Shooter Review
The situation in France reminds us that terrorist or criminal active shooter events can happen anytime, anywhere. What should you do if you’re caught up in an active shooter incident? First, review the City of Houston’s excellent video, Run-Hide-Fight. This is the fundamental active shooter strategy. Schools, airports, sporting venues, concert halls may have slightly different… Continue Reading
What Passengers Flying to France can Expect
With France closing its borders, passengers are left to wonder, what’s next? For the most part, when a country shuts down flights, the airlines treat it like a massive weather delay. Aircraft already en route are diverted to other airports, and aircraft that have not yet departed will be held at their point of departure. Based… Continue Reading
DHS Announcement on Metrojet 9268
DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson just released at statement on aviation security enhancements in light of the recent crash of a Russian airliner. The statement is posted here, followed up by my commentary. STATEMENT BY SECRETARY JEH C. JOHNSON CONCERNING AVIATION SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS PENDING INVESTIGATION OF THE CRASH OF METROJET FLIGHT 9268 While the facts and… Continue Reading