Modified Cockpit Security Measures Proposed

Air Safety Week,  Sept 24, 2007  

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"Since Global AirWorks has installed over 800 CDSS systems worldwide, the company is well positioned for future contracts as these foreign mandates continue to be implemented and applied," Gates stated. "So, given the foreign mandates and with U.S. airlines having the option to install adequate visual equipment...overall, the prospects for this company's future are still extremely bright."

The need for "secondary barriers" is an issue outside of the NPRM, but is no less controversial. Pilots say they need the barriers because they are vulnerable for short periods of time during flights when they go to the lavatory, get meals or, on long flights, change out crews.

Currently, flight attendants sometimes block the aisle with beverage carts to prevent terrorists from rushing the cockpit when the door is opened albeit briefly. Pilots say food and beverage carts do not provide a satisfactory barrier and should not be viewed as a viable, long-term solution.

ALPA believes relatively inexpensive lightweight mesh barriers should be installed on all passenger and all-cargo airliners.

"The FAA should mandate procedures that provide for the establishing of a defined 'secure zone' in the immediate vicinity of the flightdeck door any time the door must be opened during flight. The area comprising the 'secure zone' would first be confirmed clear of all non-crewmembers and then protected during flightdeck door opening and crew transition. This should be accomplished through a combination of cabin personnel and secondary barriers," ALPA believes.

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