Flight Deck Security
Since Spetember 11th, 2001 security while enroute has become a very important
issue. Several overt and cover programs have been introduced to prevent a breach
of the cockpit while enroute, whether in flight or on the ground. Lets look at a
general overview of some basic, and publicly know, aspects of the current flight
deck security initiatives. Visit the TSA website for more information about
securing our skies. tsa.gov
Federal Air Marshals
The Federal Air Marshal Service promotes confidence in the nation's civil
aviation system through the effective deployment of Federal Air Marshals (FAMs)
to detect,deter, and defeat hostile acts targeting U.S. air carriers, airports,
passengers, and crews.
Federal Air Marshals must operate indendently without backup, and rank among
those federal law enforcement officers that hold the highest standard for
handgun accuracy. They blend in with passengers and rely on their training,
including investigative techniques, criminal terrorist behavior recognition,
firearms proficiency, aircraft specific tactics, and close quarters self-defense
measures to protect the flying public.
Federal Air
Marshals have an ever expanding role in homeland security and work closely with
other law enforcement agencies to accomplish their mission. Currently, air
marshals staff several positions at different organizations such as the National
Counterterrorism Center, the National Targeting Center, and on the FBI’s Joint
Terrorism Task Forces. In addition, they are also distributed among other law
enforcement and homeland security liaison assignments during times of heightened
alert or special national events.
Successful
accomplishment of the Federal Air Marshal’s mission is critical to civil
aviation and homeland security.
For more information
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Federal Flight Deck Officers
The September
11, 2001 terrorist attacks tragically demonstrated the need for a multi-layered
approach to securing commercial airliners -- and in particular the cockpit --
from terrorist and criminal assault. In addition to improved security at airport
checkpoints, the use of federal air marshals, and the hardening of cockpit
doors, the Transportation Security Administration developed the Federal Flight
Deck Officer program as an additional layer of security.
Under this
program, eligible flight crew members are authorized by the Transportation
Security Administration to use firearms to defend against an act of criminal
violence or air piracy attempting to gain control of an aircraft. A flight crew
member may be a pilot, flight engineer or navigator assigned to the flight.
In December
2003, President George W. Bush signed into law legislation that expanded program
eligibility to include cargo pilots and certain other flight crewmembers.
Federal Flight
Deck Officers are trained on the use of firearms, use of force, legal issues,
defensive tactics, the psychology of survival and program standard operating
procedures. Flight crew members participating in the program are not eligible
for compensation from the Federal Government for services provided as a Federal
Flight Deck Officer.
For more information
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Crew Member Self Defence Training Program
The
Vision 100 – Century of Aviation
Reauthorization Act requires air
carriers providing scheduled passenger air transportation to conduct basic
security training for their flight and cabin crewmembers in order to prepare
them for potential threat conditions that may occur onboard an aircraft. The Act
further requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop and
make available to flight and cabin crewmembers an advanced self defense training
program that includes appropriate and effective responses for defending against
an attacker.
Administered by
the TSA Office of Law Enforcement / Federal Air Marshal Service, the Crew Member
Self Defense Training (CMSDT) program is available to any actively employed
flight or cabin crew member. The program is delivered in two parts. First, the
crew member receives and reviews a self-paced, interactive DVD and student
manual designed to familiarize them with basic self defense concepts and
techniques. After completing the review and a short written assessment, the crew
member attends one day of “hands-on” training at a participating community
college.
For more information
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