Questions and Answers
What does the abbreviation AIT stand for?
What is the primary role of the Airport Security Coordinator (ASC)?
To ensure compliance with aviation security regulations and act as the primary contact with the TSA.
The ASC is only responsible for the security checkpoint area of the airport.
False
The acronym ACARS stands for _____ Communications Addressing and Reporting System.
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Airport Security Coordinator according to Title 49 CFR Part 1542.3?
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What major event prompted an expansion of the role of the Airport Security Coordinator?
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An Airport Security Coordinator must not be available to TSA on a 24-hour basis.
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What is the purpose of the Positive Passenger Bag Match (PPBM)?
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Which of the following threats to aviation includes bombings and hijackings?
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Match the following acronyms to their full forms:
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The _____ program ensures compliance with security measures in airport operations.
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What incident prompted the creation of the Associate Administrator for Aviation Security within the FAA?
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What was concealed in a large radio/tape player used in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103?
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The United States was quick to implement checked bag screening following the Lockerbie bombing.
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Which group was formed to advocate for the victims of Pan Am Flight 103?
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Richard Reid attempted to blow up an American Airlines flight using explosives hidden in his shoe.
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What was the goal of the Bojinka Plot?
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What are airport or aircraft operator issued badges often referred to as?
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What was the significance of the hijacking incident involving D.B. Cooper?
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Who is primarily responsible for perimeter security at airports?
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Which type of crime is most common at airports?
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The act of using explosives placed inside a terminal building is known as a ___ bombing.
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The airport operator is responsible for the security of the airport terminal.
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What event attempted to bomb an American Airlines jet in 1979?
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What process is primarily responsible for screening passengers and luggage at airports?
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Active shooter incidents at airports are less common than in other environments, such as schools or businesses.
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Which of the following is NOT a component of in-flight security measures?
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General Aviation airports are not specifically regulated from a security perspective like _____ airports.
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What significant act was passed on November 19, 2001, as a result of the 9/11 attacks?
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What was one of the major weaknesses identified by the 9/11 Commission regarding aviation security?
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Match the following security responsibilities with their appropriate entities:
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Study Notes
Abbreviations in Aviation Security
- AIT: Automated Imaging Technology
- ACARS: Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System
- AC: Advisory Circular
- ASAC: Aviation Security Advisory Committee
- ADASP: Aviation Direct Access Screening Program
- AFSD: Assistant Federal Security Director
- AOA: Air Operations Area
- AOPA: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
- ASC: Airport Security Coordinator
- ASP: Airport Security Program
- ATR: Automated Threat Recognition
- FAA: Federal Aviation Administration
- FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation
- TSA: Transportation Security Administration
- WMD: Weapon of Mass Destruction
Role of the Airport Security Coordinator (ASC)
- Established in 1991 under Title 14 CFR Part 107.29, ensuring compliance with aviation security regulations.
- Acts as primary contact for the TSA, maintaining awareness of security policies, threats, and procedures.
- Must master airport security regulations and best practices while fostering relationships with agencies, tenants, and carriers.
- Responsible for the issuance of security credentials for airport employees.
Key Responsibilities of the ASC
- Communication: Serve as the immediate contact for security-related communications with TSA, available 24/7.
- Compliance Review: Regularly review security functions to ensure effectiveness and compliance with regulations and directives.
- Corrective Actions: Initiate immediate action for non-compliance with security programs.
- Employment Verification: Manage and control background checks and credentialing processes for airport employees.
- Criminal Record Notification: Act as contact for applicants seeking corrections to their criminal history records.
Regulatory Sections Governing ASC Duties
- §1542.3 (1): Main point of contact for TSA communications.
- §1542.3 (2): Must be available round-the-clock, often delegating duties to assistant ASCs.
- §1542.3 (3): Required to ensure all security functions comply with regulatory standards and conduct reviews regularly.
- §1542.3 (4): Responsible for corrective measures regarding security non-compliance.
- §1542.3 (5): Oversee employment history verification and badge issuance.
- §1542.3 (6): Handle notifications regarding criminal history record correction requests.
Additional Duties
- Information Sharing: Maintain liaison with air carrier station managers and share pertinent security information.
- Risk Management: Manage the "back door" of airport security, including access control and queue management at checkpoints.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Coordinate with FBI, local law enforcement, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and other relevant agencies.
Essential Training for ASCs
- Must complete initial training covering security regulations, crisis management, and effective communication with TSA.
- Ongoing training includes National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols to ensure readiness for incidents.
Compliance and Best Practices
- ASCs should systematically draft and amend the Airport Security Program (ASP) to reflect changes and ensure regulatory alignment.
- Establish procedures for employment and criminal record checks consistent with TSA guidelines.
- Develop a robust network with airport, state, and federal security personnel to enhance collaborative efforts in aviation security.### Airport Security Coordinator (ASC)
- ASCs maintain liaison with foreign air carrier station managers and manage access control systems, including surveillance with closed-circuit TV.
- Cybersecurity awareness is vital for protecting information technology systems that manage access and badging.
- The "Not On My Watch" approach promotes proactive security measures beyond regulatory compliance to deter terrorist activities.
- Emphasizes collaboration with operators of nearby facilities (FAA, maritime, rail) to ensure coordinated emergency response plans.
- Networking with federal, state, and local emergency response teams helps airports prepare for threats ranging from terrorist attacks to natural disasters.
- Ongoing engagement with industry associations aids ASCs in staying updated on security trends and regulations.
Role and Qualifications of ASCs
- Excellent communication skills are essential for implementing often-unpopular security policies among airport tenants.
- At Category X and I airports, ASCs typically focus solely on aviation security duties due to the heavy demands of the role.
- Trust is crucial, with ASCs responsible for Sensitive Security Information and Criminal History Record Checks.
- ASCs can be law enforcement officers or civilians; the TSA does not mandate specific job titles but requires airports to designate personnel as ASCs.
Threats to Aviation
- Major threats include aircraft bombings, hijackings, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents.
- Attacks can stem from various individuals, including terrorists, disgruntled employees, and mentally disturbed persons.
- Criminal activities at airports also concern ASCs, including drug smuggling and human trafficking.
History of Bombings in Aviation
- Early bombings in the 1950s were often financially motivated, but shifted towards political aims with the rise of terrorism in the late 1960s.
- Significant bombings include Air India Flight 182 (1985, 359 fatalities) and Pan Am Flight 103 (1988, 270 fatalities).
- The establishment of the FAA Explosive Canine Detection Team was a direct response to bomb threats in aviation.
- Subsequent regulations such as FAR 107 and FAR 108 aimed to enhance airport and aircraft security.
Impact of 9/11 on Aviation Security
- Post-9/11, various attempts to bomb civilian airliners continued, with notable incidents involving shoe bombs, liquid explosives, and cargo bombs.
- Richard Reid's shoe bomb attempt (2001) and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's underwear bomb attempt (2009) highlighted the evolving tactics used in terrorist operations.
- The U.S. has adapted with increased screening measures and technology in response to these threats.
Hijacking in Aviation History
- The first hijacking occurred on February 21, 1931, motivated by propaganda, illustrating the early use of aircraft for coercive purposes.
- As hijackings became more common, motives shifted from ransom to political leverage and global recognition by terrorist groups.
- Post-9/11, hijackings as methods for crashing planes became prominent, leading to heightened security measures to prevent similar attacks.
Case Study: D.B. Cooper
- The notorious case of D.B. Cooper involved a successful hijacking with an untraceable escape, impacting how future hijackings were conducted.
- Following Cooper’s escape, Boeing implemented the “Cooper Vane” to prevent rear stair deployment mid-flight, enhancing aviation security protocols.### Aviation Security Overview
- Aviation security requires constant improvement to counteract evolving methods used by criminals and terrorists.
- Terminal bombings have occurred historically, such as in 1974 at LAX and in 2011 at Moscow Domodedovo Airport.
- Concealed bombs in public lockers led to restrictions on locker use in airport terminals.
Bombing Threats and Mitigation
- Ahmed Ressam's 1999 attempt to bomb LAX highlights vulnerabilities in airport security.
- Employee awareness, training, and design strategies are crucial to mitigate bomb threats in terminal buildings.
- Efficient passenger flow and reducing clustering can minimize blast damage.
Armed Incidents
- Active shooter incidents at airports, e.g., the 2013 LAX shooting, have heightened awareness of potential threats.
- The Lod Airport incident in Israel exemplifies early active shooter attacks involving armed militants.
- Airports maintain a regulated police presence to respond quickly to active shooter situations.
Surface-to-Air Missile Threats
- Civilian aircraft have faced over 80 incidents involving surface-to-air missiles, mainly during conflicts.
- MANPADS (shoulder-launched missiles) pose a unique challenge but are not the primary focus of airport security.
- Notable missile attacks include incidents against Arkia regional aircraft in Kenya and a DHL flight in Baghdad.
Airport Crime Trends
- Common crimes include theft, often occurring in parking lots, restrooms, and during baggage handling.
- Organized theft rings exploit airport vulnerabilities, leading to significant losses for passengers and airlines.
- Human trafficking and drug smuggling by airport personnel have been reported, with training programs established to combat these issues.
Emerging Threats
- Potential threats include high-energy lasers, chemical attacks, and cyber threats affecting essential airport systems.
- Civilian drones present a growing concern for flight safety nearby airports.
System of Systems in Aviation Security
- Aviation security is viewed as a system of overlapping functions among federal, state, and local authorities, along with private enterprises.
- An incident affecting one area can have cascading security implications elsewhere (e.g., the 2006 liquid bomb threat led to increased baggage theft).
- Risk assessments are essential for creating effective security measures at airports.
Screening Procedures
- Responsibility for screening passengers and baggage primarily lies with aircraft operators, supported by TSA guidelines.
- Cargo screening, essential for bomb prevention, is primarily the operator's responsibility, supplemented by TSA inspections.
Employee Security Regulations
- Employee security encompasses background checks, credentialing, and access control to prevent threats from insiders.
- Airport operators play a key role in maintaining security through established protocols and training initiatives.
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Description
Test your knowledge of aviation-related abbreviations, from AIT to ATR. This quiz covers a range of terms used in aviation security, operations, and more.
