CAPA advocates 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 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 equal, trusted partners 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.
KNOWN CREWMEMBER: CAPA supports the direct inclusion of stakeholders in Known Crewmember (KCM) policy decisions (including predictable screening rates) and adjudication processes. CAPA should be included in the development and deployment of any follow on KCM expedited screening programs and afforded regular meetings and briefings from TSA to provide critical feedback to ensure program longevity. Lastly, CAPA supports a formal training program and compliance addition to KCM to ensure the availability to all crewmembers of proper regulatory guidance.
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 ensure adequate program funding to complete program initiatives such as moving initial training to the FAMS Training Center, expanding Atlanta’s recurrent training site, opening a recurrent training site on the west coast, advanced training opportunities such as the “Senior FFDO” program and the adoption of an “FFDO Roadmap.”
LASER / DRONE MITIGATION / ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY: CAPA recognizes the emerging threat of unmanned aerial systems and the devastating potential of advanced air mobility. In addition, CAPA continues to promote public awareness of LASER strikes on aircraft and works 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 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.