Security Shortlines

Air Safety Week, August 4, 2008

Registered Traveler Oked by TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has cleared any impediments to further expansion of Registered Traveler (RT) programs beyond the initial 20 airports. TSA determined that the current security threat assessment largely duplicates the watch list matching that is conducted on all travelers. The other parts of the security threat assessment are not core elements in determining threats to aviation security and will no longer be required, and the government is eliminating the $28 fee. "We have determined that Registered Traveler holds promise as a biometrically enhanced, private sector identity verification program," said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. "RT works best when tailored to the individual needs of each location, as determined by the airports and airlines that sponsor these programs and their local federal security directors." RT service providers will continue to be responsible for verifying the identity of their members. There are currently approximately 135,000 active program participants at the 19 airports where the program operates.

Video Security for Chinese Airlines

AD Aerospace has obtained a Validation of Supplemental Type Certificate (VSTC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its CabinVu and CabinVu-123 Cockpit Door Monitoring Systems on Boeing 737 aircraft. These systems help to protect the cockpit from hijackings by providing the pilots with a live view of the area outside the flight deck door. This VSTC covers the entire Boeing 737 family of aircraft using installation designs produced by Aircraft Engineering and Installation Services of Orlando, FL. CabinVu and CabinVu-123 provide pilots with a forward looking, clear and unobstructed view of the area outside the cockpit door and in the adjacent galleys from their usual seated positions. A series of cameras are linked to either one or two monitors and associated controllers within easy reach of the pilots for ease and comfort of use.

TSA's Progress in Air Cargo Screening

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring the security of cargo placed aboard aircraft, particularly passenger carrying airplanes.

Approximately 12 million pounds of cargo is transported daily on passenger aircraft. TSA must significantly strengthen security of air cargo as part of the 9/11 Bill, which was signed into law in August 2007. Measures in place assure the safety of air cargo on passenger planes through a risk-based, layered security approach. TSA employs 300 transportation security inspectors who are exclusively dedicated to the oversight of air cargo. An additional 150 air cargo inspectors will be added by the end of the year.

In addition, more than 460 TSA-certified canine teams each spend at least 25 percent of their workday in the cargo environment. By the end of the year, TSA will add another 170 canine teams whose primary focus will be cargo. TSA has a goal of screening 50 percent of all air cargo on passenger carrying aircraft by February 2009 and 100 percent by August 2010. Through the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) participating manufacturing companies, warehouse/third party logistics and indirect air carriers will conduct security screening programs in accordance with TSA guidelines, screening cargo intended for transport on passenger aircraft at several points in the supply chain, including at its origin. Creating a secure chain of custody will keep commerce and freight flowing securely and reduce congestion at airports.

No Laughing Matter

Comedian Jerry Lewis was detained by police in Las Vegas when airport screeners found an unloaded gun in his baggage. Lewis, 82, had a small .22- caliber handgun when he arrived at the security screening area July 25 at Las Vegas McCarran International. It is reported that Lewis was briefly detained and the gun was seized. Lewis was cited for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Lewis was traveling to Michigan. The weapon was registered to Lewis and he will need to attend a court hearing to get it back. Lewis's manager reportedly said the gun was a prop that could not be fired, and insisted the 82- year-old did not know it had been in his bag.

Body Found in Jetliner Lavatory

Delta flight attendants found the body of a woman in the restroom of a plane just before it landed July 30 at Atlanta Hartsfield International, a Delta spokeswoman said. The crew noticed the restroom was occupied as the aircraft approached Atlanta. "Upon final approach into Atlanta, our inflight crew was advised that a passenger passed away in the on-board restroom," the spokeswoman added. Flight 950 from Los Angeles International landed at 5:51 a.m. Delta officials have not said how long the woman may have been in the restroom. Atlanta police were notified and met the plane at the gate. The cause of death is under investigation and the woman's name was not immediately released.

Passenger Subdued on American Flight