Aviation and airport security

ESTA Buyer Beware

November 7, 2008

One of the most important programs being developed by the Department of Homeland Security as the Chertoff regime departs is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Individuals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, who have not been interviewed by a consular official, will be required to submit a short form with biographical information similar to that provided on the I-94 form currently used BEFORE traveling to the U.S. Recognizing that not all travelers will learn of the new requirement and that not all air carriers have built IT connections to check ESTA approvals before boarding, U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans a “soft” enforcement regime for at least several months as the program becomes live. Of course, ESTA is just one layer in our security apparatus that also includes passenger reviewed by CBP at the National Targeting Center and US-VISIT biometrics checks.

Airport Infrastructure Investment Can Usher In a New Era in Homeland Security

Security Debrief |

November 6, 2008

Next to none of the nation’s 450 commercial airports were physically designed with security concerns in mind. A few new terminals, like DFW’s International Terminal, are examples that point the way to the future in terms of physical design to enhance security. Too many terminals today concentrate crowds in ticket lobbies adjacent to glass walls separated from motor vehicles by not much more than a sidewalk. That’s an inviting scenario for a terrorist with an IED.

The Expansive Regulation of Private Aviation

admin |

October 28, 2008

Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unveiled its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the regulation of general aviation (GA) aircraft in the U.S. While TSA and DHS have been talking about the need for increased security measures for GA for several years, the reality of the NPRM is hitting the GA community hard (and it should be). To date, TSA regulates but a small portion of the GA community – roughly 650 operators. TSA’s proposed NPRM would increase the regulated community to roughly 10,000 operators. A 65% increase in regulated parties is obviously significant.

Secure Flight Program is Ready to Fly

David Olive |

October 24, 2008

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, with the support of TSA Administrator Kip Hawley, announced this week that the Secure Flight program is finally moving forward. They acknowledged that it has taken a very long time to get this passenger name checking system ready to fly but now feel confident that the time taken has not been wasted. DHS and TSA should be commended for finally getting the Secure Flight rule out the door.

Laptop Searches: Another National Security Tool Out of the Toolbox

Security Debrief |

October 11, 2008

Another national security tool appears on the verge of taking a hit this
week. A tool that has been effective despite its rare use.

Has the Homeland Security Mission Been Forgotten?

admin |

October 3, 2008

In a rush to lull the public into a sense that everything is ok and to be politically acceptable, we have removed common sense from the airport experience.

Thompson-led Coalition Should Rethink 100% Scanning Mandate

David Olive |

October 2, 2008

I see from yesterday morning’s press reports that House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson has written another letter to DHS asking about the status of the cargo screening mandate Congress has shoved down the throat of the aviation and maritime industries.

Closing of the American Border

Security Debrief |

September 26, 2008

There haven’t been many “insider” books about how DHS has functioned but a good one has appeared. The Closing of the American Border was published last week by Edward Alden of the Council on Foreign Relations and formerly with the Financial Times. It’s a detailed look at the policies and programs deployed after 9/11 to deter and detect terrorists hoping to use our transportation systems against us.

Congress to DHS: 100 percent scanning must be enforced

Security Debrief |

August 8, 2008

A week after dressing down TSA for suggesting that Congress did not really mean for all air cargo to be scanned, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson followed up with a letter to DHS accusing it of trying to undermine congressional intent to fully scan 100 percent of all cargo — both air and maritime.

Technology Solutions for Air Cargo

admin |

July 25, 2008

The TSA’s air cargo screening regime has gotten much attention lately, including significant time at two recent Congressional hearings. As part of the 9/11 Act, TSA is required to screen 50% of air cargo carried on passenger aircraft by February 2009 and 100% of air cargo by August 2010, at a level “commensurate” to that of checked baggage. Since the Administration has not asked for nor has the Congress appropriated sufficient funds, TSA has decided to implement a Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) under which third-party vendors (such as freight forwarders, indirect air carriers, shippers, etc.) volunteer to participate to screen cargo earlier in the supply chain, before it reaches the airport.

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