CAPA is an advocate for strong security programs that continue to fortify the continuously vulnerable aviation industry – domestically and internationally. While improvements have been made in transportation security, key gaps in our security system remain which must be addressed to enhance our protection and reduce our vulnerabilities to terrorism – to protect the American people.
CAPA is presently focused on a number of key concerns facing the airline industry – and the millions who depend on it every day. In the post-9/11 world, aviation/airport security has become a critical aspect of national defense; and is a critical component of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Infrastructure Protection Plan. CAPA advocates a number of upgrades that include:
INTELLIGENCE SHARING: CAPA will continue to advocate for direct connectivity between crewmembers and the regulators for threat intelligence sharing. While we believe the regulators share information competently with the regulated parties (air carriers), often the carriers do not adequately disseminate important security information to flight crews. The regulators must embrace the Associations as an equal, trusted partner and provide timely security information directly to ensure the most efficient transfer of data to those who need it the most. CAPA believes the potential exists for a nationwide database for security incidents, much like safety incidents, to ensure that quality security information is able to transfer without the limitation of individual airline office restrictions.
ICASS / KNOWN CREWMEMBER: CAPA supports the expansion of the highly successful and necessary CASS program to the international arena. This will provide needed commuting options for crewmembers flying internationally. Also, CAPA encourages all major markets adopt KCM.
FFDO PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS: CAPA is a strong supporter and subject matter expert for TSA’s Federal Flight Deck Officer Program. We will continue to work legislatively and with the regulators to alter the carriage policy of the program, adopting a military-style leave program for training events, and meaningful advanced training options for FFDOs who volunteer.
LASER / DRONE MITIGATION: CAPA recognizes the emerging threat of unmanned aerial systems and the devastating potential therein. Also, CAPA will continue to promote public awareness of LASER strikes on aircraft and working with law enforcement to ensure those who purposefully point LASERS at airplanes are arrested and prosecuted fully.
CREWMEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING (CMSDT) / BEHAVIOR RECOGNITION TRAINING: CAPA believes that CMSDT should be a mandatory for all flight crew and carriers should allocate time in their annual training profiles to accomplish this important training. Also, CAPA believes a basic behavior recognition course should be an element in the CMSDT curriculum or offered to crewmembers as a follow-on course. Behavior recognition / detection has proven to be an effective tool to both analyze and respond to emergent events in the earliest stages increasing the likelihood of deterring criminal acts.