Important Slides: 5 (Air Operations Area), 6 (ASP & 1973),

Chapter 08

Introduction to Airport Security

• Airport security aims to deter, prevent, and respond to criminal acts that threaten the traveling public's safety and security.

• Key threats include:

  • Hijacking (air piracy)

  • Destruction of aircraft using explosives

  • Acts of terrorism

History of Airport Security

Early Developments

• Initial focus on safety, not security.

• Security first prioritized in 1930 with attempted hijacking of a Pan Am mail plane.

• March 1972 first security regulations made effective – FAR Part 107 (TSAR 1542)

  • Airports required to create program that identified: AOA areas (Air Operations Areas) for aircraft operations, areas with little to no protection, a plan to upgrade and a timeline

• Airports required to have an Airport Security Plan (ASP) (under FAR 107)

• 1973 FAA mandated that all passengers be scanned and carry-on bags be inspected prior to boarding aircraft

Establishing Security Regulations

• March 1972: First effective security regulations established.

• Regulations formalized as FAR Part 107 (TSAR 1542), mandating airports to:

  • Identify AOA (Aircraft Operations Area).

  • Address areas with minimal protection.

  • Develop an upgrade plan with a timeline.

Introduction of Airport Security Plans (ASP)

• Airports required to implement an ASP, ensuring:

  • Identification for all individuals and vehicles in AOA.

• 1973: FAA mandates scanning of all passengers and inspection of carry-on baggage prior to boarding aircraft

Significant Attacks

• December 21, 1988: Pan Am 103 bombing killed all 259 on board.

  • Following investigations led to enhanced security measures, including passenger-baggage matching and new bomb detection technologies.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Formation and Purpose

• Formed in response to the 9/11 attacks, established by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act as part of USDOT.

• In March 2003, TSA moved under the newly formed Department of Homeland Security.

TSA Mission and Oversight

• Mission: To protect all the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce

• TSA oversees airport security through Transportation Security Regulations (TSR), which define secure airport areas:

  • AOA (Airport Operations Area): Aircraft movement areas, parking areas, loading ramps.

  • Secure Areas: Parts of the airport performing security measures, handling passengers and baggage between aircraft and terminal building

  • Sterile Areas: Controlled by TSA or aircraft operator where passengers board aircraft

  • Security Identification Display Area (SIDA): All persons must display identification or be accompanied by an authorized escort

  • Exclusive Areas: Any portion of the AOA or SIDA where an aircraft operator assumes responsibility for security

Security Protocols at Commercial Service Airports

49 CFR

• 49 CFR 1542 Airport Security

  • Establishes security requirements for airport operators to ensure the safety of passengers and personnel.

• 49 CFR 1544 Airport Operator Security

  • Establishes regulations that outline the responsibilities of airport operators in the implementation of security measures to protect against unlawful interference.

Regulatory Framework

• Governed under 14 CFR Part 139 – Airport Security Program: Establishes the minimum safety and security requirements for airports serving commercial air carriers.

  • Each airport has an Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) to oversee:

    • Description of AOA, SIDA.

    • Air Carrier Operations Program.

    • Background checks and security training procedures.

    • Incident management and record-keeping protocols.

Law Enforcement Requirements

• All commercial service airports must have enough law enforcement presence to handle incidents.

• Variability number of officers based on passenger numbers

• Some security guards can be used as well, but there must be a minimum number of LEO’s

Passenger Screening Procedures

• Use of magnetometers (screens for weapons that are metallic in content; metal detectors) and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT).

• Manual searches may be conducted.

• Baggage screened through: Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) or Explosive Detection System (EDS)

Security Technologies

Employee Identification and Access Control

• Employees in SIDA require identification badges.

• Background checks extend back 10 years for all relevant personnel.

Access Devices and Biometric Security

• Mix of simple locks to smart-access technologies for security.

• Piggy-backing: Unauthorized individuals accessing secure areas by following inside after an authorized personnel.

  • A weakness with door entries

• Biometric technologies measure unique human characteristics like fingerprints and facial patterns.

Perimeter Security Measures

Common Barriers

• Barriers include:

  • Buildings and fences.

  • Natural barriers (e.g., heavily wooded or water bodies).

  • Electronic technologies (e.g., ASDE).

  • Controlled access points (gates and doors).

Role of Lighting

• Various lighting options:

  • Continuous, standby, movable, and emergency lighting systems.

  • Optimal visibility for security personnel.

Security at General Aviation (GA) Airports

Historical Context

• Concentration on commercial aviation; GA activities mainly involve private pilots.

• Notable incidents highlighting the risks:

  • 2002: C172 crash into Bank of America in Tampa.

  • 2010: PA28 crash into IRS building in Austin.

Security Challenges

• Pilots have access to airfields without supervision; fencing is deterrent rather than secure.

• Smaller aircraft risks due to load capabilities; accessibility extends to major metropolitan areas.

Security Attributes at GA Airports

• Key protocols include:

  • Personnel and vehicle identification.

  • Fencing, controlled access gates, security lighting.

  • Regular patrols to ensure safety and deter security breaches.

Post-9/11 Regulations

• Permanent TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) in three GA airports near Washington D.C.: College Park Municipal, Washington Executive, Potomac Airfield.

• Implementation of a security plan and enforcement are assumed by airport management and airport users

  • AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) say that GA airports are largely self-enforcing in their security practices and have been very successful in limiting criminal activity

GA Security Recommendations

• Outdoor signage warning against tampering or unauthorized area use.

• Pilots should monitor:

  • Unusual aircraft modifications

  • Individuals loitering

  • Individuals potentially seeking access to aircraft without proper credentials.

Contact for Reporting

• AOPA's AIRPORT WATCH advice: Report suspicious activities at 1-866-GA-SECURE (1-866-427-3287), and emergency response through 911.

Regulations for Larger Aircraft

Twelve-Five & Private Charter Regulations

• Aircraft over 12,500 lbs must undergo screening before departure; all passengers and bags examined.

• Private Charter Program: Minimum screening regulations for private charter aircraft weighing over 100,309 lbs or seating 61 or more passengers.