Expansion of visitors covered by US-VISIT proposed

The Department of Homeland Security issued a press release announcing a proposed rule,

"...to expand processing in the US-VISIT program to an additional number of non-U.S. citizens. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was published today in the Federal Register. As a proposed rule, the new regulations are not effective immediately. A final rule will establish an effective date."

US-VISIT "currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) holding non-immigrant visas, regardless of country of origin." It includes capturing a digital photograph and the fingerprints of visitors.

The proposed rule change would expand US-VISIT to include:

• Lawful permanent residents of the United States (LPRs).

• Individuals entering the United States who seek admission on immigrant visas.

• Individuals entering the United States who seek admission as refugees and asylees.

• Certain Canadian citizens entering the United States for specific business or employment reasons (i.e. Form I-94 holders). This excludes most Canadian citizens entering the United States for purposes of shopping, visiting friends and family, vacation or short business trips.

• Individuals paroled into the United States.

• Individuals applying for admission to Guam under the Guam Visa Waiver Program.

The more the merrier?

Get a passport

From USA Today:

"Starting Jan. 1, people traveling by air or sea to popular U.S. vacation destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada will need a passport. Drivers crossing at land borders will need passports by Jan. 1, 2008."

This is part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative passed by Congress in 2005.

Homeland Security mismanagement?

The House Committee on Government Reform has issued a report:

Waste, Abuse, and Mismanagement in Department of Homeland Security Contracts (pdf, 50 MB)

The report identifies 32 DHS contracts "worth $34.3 billion that have experienced significant overcharges, wasteful spending, or mismanagement." Key findings:

Contract spending is growing rapidly. (From $3.5 billion in 2003 to $10 billion in 2005.)

Noncompetitive costs have soared. Contracts without full and open competition amounted to $655 million in 2003, and $5.5 billion by 2005.

Contract mismanagement is widespread. Mismanagement has been pervasive.

The costs to the taxpayer are enormous. 32 DHS contracts have major problems in administration or performance.

Some of these contracts are with the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol, and FEMA for hurricane Katrina, but others are TSA contracts for airport security worth billions. The implications here are serious and suggest significant leadership issues.

Faster passenger screening

Pittsburgh International Airport has reduced wait times for ticketed passengers to 10 minutes, from 45 minutes previously. They did it by adding additional security lines.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Meanwhile, the head of Qantas security looks to a future booth than combines check-in, security screening, and passport control. He also remarked that security screening at airports should not focus only on explosives, since there are other potential weapons.

Source: Travel Blackboard.

The history of airport security

From The Heritage Foundation, we have Time to Rethink Airport Security, a detailed piece examining the actions since September 11 and assessing their impact, or lack thereof. In part, the history runs like this:

• The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA)
• The creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• The federalization of airport security under the TSA
• Congressional mandate that all checked bags be inspected for explosives
• $2.5 billion spent on checked-baggage screening equipment by September 2004
• Screening work-­force growing 3 times to near 60,000.
• A subsequent House committee cap of 45,000 full-time screeners.
• Reports in 2005 that there was no evidence of improvement, despite $3 billion per year spent on baggage screening.
  

One important discussion is the use of private contractors for passenger screening versus government employees. Heritage offers their opinion that the structure of this did not allow private contractors to be successful. A GAO report found European airports using the performance-contracting model had better results.

One basic problem is that Congress mandated HOW the problem was to be solved, instead of mandating that the problem WAS to be solved, then letting experts determine the HOW.

The article proposes solutions, including transforming the TSA into a "much more modest Aviation Security Agency" and shifting some responsibilities out of the DHS.

It's a lengthy article, and not short on specifics, so give it a read if this issue interests you.

Fallout from Air Marshal revelations

Previously, in Federal Air Marshals say passengers not safe, this blog described the public declarations by Air Marshals that their safety function is compromised by the procedures they must operate under.

TheDenverChannel.com now says that "Colorado's elected leaders are demanding answers to problems in the Federal Air Marshal Service." Further, "An unprecedented 17 air marshals in four states have publicly attacked their agency for ignoring public safety. They accuse their managers of lying to Congress, creating dangerous quota systems and failing to protect the undercover missions of the air marshals."

This all is likely to get ugly.

Previous Stories:

• July 24, 2006: Air Marshals Say They Fear Managers More Than Terrorists
• July 21, 2006: Marshals: Innocent People Placed On 'Watch List' To Meet Quota
• July 20, 2006: Air Marshals Across Country Warn Passengers Aren't Safe
• June 7, 2006: Report: Air Marshal Caught Sleeping On Flight
• June 7, 2006: Federal Air Marshal Spokesman Responds To 7NEWS Investigation
• June 6, 2006: Air Marshals Accuse Managers Of Compromising Safety

Registered Traveler program specification issued

The Registered Traveler Interoperability Consortium (RTIC) has issued the Technical Interoperability Specification for the Registered Traveler Program (Version 1.0 - Draft F) [PDF, 822 KB]. From the RTIC website:

"The RTIC looks forward to the rapid, secure and seamless deployment of the Registered Traveler program at the nation'’s airports in the near future. For this reason, the RTIC Service Provider Council committed a tremendous amount of time and resources over the past ten weeks to produce the following document which outlines the technical specifications needed for an interoperable Registered Traveler program. Over 20 people from more than ten different organizations dedicated approximately 4800 hours developing the document. It was a collaborative and inclusive process that resulted in a comprehensive specification that can act as the basis for the program'’s required technical interoperability standards."

"The RTIC welcomes review and comment on the specification from all interested stakeholders. If you would like to comment on the RTIC Technical Interoperability Specification, please use this comment form. Comments are due by July 31, 2006 and can be submitted to Colleen Chamberlain at colleen.chamberlain@aaae.org."

The specs describe the processes involved in some detail.

The RTIC was formed by a group of airports in conjunction with the American Association of Airport Executives to establish common business rules and technical standards to create a Registered Traveler program.

Using video analytics for airport security

Consider San Francisco International Airport, with its 1500 video surveillance cameras. How do you possibly monitor them all for suspicious activity? Not effectively, if you try to watch them all manually. What's the solution? Same as the solution to just about everything else, it seems: computers! Well, specifically, software.

One term for this capability is "video analytics" and it refers to the monitoring of video streams looking for specific events. Examples include objects where they shouldn't be, and human patterns that don't fit "normal" activity. SFO is evaluating this technology provided by Vidient Systems Inc.

The Detroit News Online has an interesting article on this called More eyes watching at airports.

One of the issues raised by civil libertarians is what this means for personal privacy. The American Civil Liberties Union has some concerns about where this all might lead, and I have to say it's a good topic to explore with some degree of seriousness. If we don't look at this carefully, and we go down the road too far, there's no going back.

TSA Updates Airport Security Design Guidelines

According to a TSA press release, they have "issued revised Recommended Security Guidelines for Airport Planning, Design and Construction [PDF 6.3 MB] to the airport industry, providing guidance on subjects encompassing airport layout, security screening, emergency response, access control and communications."

Taking your kitchen knife through airport security

You're not supposed to get kitchen knives through the carry-on x-ray machine, but it's not working out that way. Two recent items:

• At Darwin Airport, a passenger brought a kitchen knife into the departure lounge. It was found in the toilets and nobody knows who brought it in, but if forced hundreds of passengers to go through a second screening. (Kitchen knife passes through airport security)
• A Cape Town passenger inadvertently carried a gift package with a set of knives right through security. His wife had bought the set, but he didn't know it was knives. The passenger reported the incident later, but authorities weren't interested. (Passenger 'slips' knives through airport security)

Hmm. Why can't we get the easy stuff right?

Federal Air Marshals say passengers not safe

It has been widely reported in the press (and previously in this blog) that some believe Federal Air Marshal procedures have the effect of revealing their identity. That's a problem since the strategy is that terrorists wouldn't know who on the flight was an Air Marshal, or if a Marshal was even on the flight.

WFAA TV in Dallas is reporting in Federal Air Marshals go on record: passengers are not safe that some marshals are now speaking out publicly:

"every time we get on a plane, anybody who is halfway paying attention, knows exactly who we are"

"It doesn't leave much to the imagination to figure out who I am."

"The procedures that we are required to follow right now make us stick out like sitting ducks."

Air Marshals, who are obviously packing, need to get around metal detectors, and sometimes it's too obvious.

Marshals are frequently asked to identify themselves to crew members in front of passengers.

The dress code keeps them from blending in.

To me this seems to be a leadership issue. The objectives are clear and simple: anonymous Air Marshals that act as a deterrent because of their anonymity. What's needed is some basic process design that meets those objectives. What we have are procedures that simply meet the objective of having procedures.

Am I wrong?

See also:

Air Marshals: We May Not Be Safe
Air Marshals Across Country Warn Passengers Aren't Safe
Letter From Director Dana Brown Responding To Air Marshal Story

Haitian security problems resolved

Back in December 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that Homeland Security Finds That Security at Port Au Prince Airport Does Not Meet International Standards:

"Port Au Prince Airport in Haiti does not meet international security standards, and the department is taking action to warn travelers of this security deficiency... Homeland Security has determined that the airport does not currently maintain security measures consistent with the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

...Homeland Security has directed air carriers issuing tickets for travel between the United States and Port Au Prince to notify ticket purchasers of this determination. Homeland Security also directed that the determination be displayed prominently at all U.S. airports..."

The Jackson News-Tribune reports that the TSA "says Haiti airport security [is] resolved. Now that the government of Haiti has made the appropriate corrective actions, the Secretary of Homeland Security has notified Haitian government officials that the public notification requirements are being lifted."

Take off your shoes

Did you see that TV show some time back where they went into "clean" hotel rooms with a black light or something. When they turned out the room lights and illuminated bed sheets, towels, and other places, they found mold and bacteria and fluid things from other people too gross to think about.

Now think about the last airport security line you went through where you had to remove your shoes and walk through. What did they guy ahead of you do? The same thing. Where did you walk? The same place he did. What do you think he had on his feet? Want to know?

KGO-TV in San Francisco wanted to know. They collected samples in San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix for a lab to culture and examine. The lab found staffoid (causes skin infections), and nazeria (which can lead to gonorrhea). Gross.

Next time bring something to cover your feet. Then get rid of it as soon as you get your shoes back.

TSA goes sole-source

According to FCW.com:

"The Homeland Security Department’s Transportation Security Administration will award a sole-source contract for enrolling travelers in its voluntary Registered Traveler program rather than compete the contract."

"TSA announced today [18 July 2006] it would award the contract to the American Association of Airport Executives, an organization with a history of providing similar services to TSA for other security programs."

The contract begins August 15.

Detecting metal

mPhase Technologies, Inc., which develops and commercializes next-generation telecommunications and nanotechnology solutions,"has shown that its prototype magnetometer can detect a magnetic object such as a crowbar at a distance of more than 30 feet." They are "discussing its potential use in civil aviation" at the Mid Atlantic & Aviation Technologies Conference being held at the Federal Aviation Administration facility at Atlantic City Airport in Pomona, N.J.

This device is only a few milimeters in size, and requires no cooling, unlike bulky magnetic field detectors. With something this small, sensor networks could be created "to enhance and facilitate civil aviation security."

Press release.

Questions and answers on the Mumbai blasts

If you missed the news and subsequent developments about the terrorist blasts in Mumbai, India, Redif news offers a pretty good set of questions and answers:

Why were trains targeted? (They are soft targets with regard to physical security.)

Why have terrorists been repeatedly attacking Mumbai since March,1993? (It is the economic capital of India.)

When did the ISI develop an interest in targeting Mumbai? (In the early 1990s.)

Why do the Pakistani jihadi organisations, which are members of Osama bin Laden's International Islamic Front, try to repeatedly attack Mumbai? (The ISI insists on attacking targets in Mumbai in return for its assistance.)

What has been the history of Pakistan-sponsored jihadi terrorism in the Indian territory outside Jammu and Kashmir? (The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya by a Hindu mob in December 1992. Three attacks of jihadi terrorism in 1993/1994. Jihadi terrorist attacks in Indian territory after the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power in 1998. These attacks have continued off and on since then. There was again a lull between September 2003 and July 2005. Since July 2005, these attacks have been resumed with increasing lethality.)

Would it be correct to say that there would have been no jihadi terrorism in the Indian territory outside J&K if the Babri Masjid had not been demolished? (No.)

What has been the role of Indian and Pakistani Muslims in jihadi terrorism in the Indian territory outside J&K? (The leadership role was exercised by Pakistani organisations, with participation by recruits from the Indian Muslim community in India and the Gulf.)

What has been the role of Al Qaeda in India? (At present, the presumption is Al Qaeda has no cell in India. This may be wrong.)

What has been the attitude of Al Qaeda to India? (Since President Bush's visit to India in March last, bin Laden himself has started criticising India.)

What has been the attitude of Indian Muslims to Al Qaeda and bin Laden? (Some Muslims shouted pro-Al Qaeda and pro-bin Laden slogans, particularly in Mumbai.)

Is there any likelihood of any convergence of interest between the ISI and Al Qaeda in India? (It's a possibility.)

Are there any other factors requiring attention? (The dubious role of Iranian intelligence agencies.)

The answers in the article, of course, are much longer and detailed. There is also a pretty detailed chronology of the events: Mumbai Blasts.

Going to the region? Go informed. At least with one point of view.

ICF contract to support TSA

ICF International, a professional services firm, announced "it has been awarded a two-year contract worth up to US$2.5 million with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Registered Traveler (RT) Program. Under this contract, ICF and its teaming partner Deloitte & Touche, will document the standards that will be adopted by the RT Program. The ICF Team will work with TSA's Office of Transportation Threat Assessment & Credentialing to establish these standards as the Verification and Validation (V and V) criteria for the program."

Source

Aviation safety and security in Africa

This article was submitted by IQPC Africa:

AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY - 2006

The European Union had approved on Wednesday 22nd March 2006 the first-ever joint blacklist of nearly 100 mostly African airlines considered to be unsafe, in a move motivated by a series of fatal accidents last year. The list which goes into effect on Saturday 25th March 2006, will ban 92 airlines from flying into EU skies all together and puts restrictions on another three from flying certain types of airplanes into the 25-nation bloc.

“The European Union now has a coherent approach to banning airlines”, said Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot. “This blacklist will keep unconvinced airlines out of Europe. It will also make sure that all airlines operating in Europe’s sky meet the highest safety standards”

The EU member states were sprung into action after a string of deadly accidents last year that highlighted the fragmented approach to air safety in the 25-nation bloc. The blacklist will work on principle that an airline banned in one EU member state will be outlawed in the whole community and the European Commission is to be charged with keeping the schedule up to date. Most of the carriers already on the list are based in Africa and there are extensive bans on airlines from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and Swaziland.

The few companies that are not from Africa are based in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea and Thailand. “Although some of the banned companies do not currently fly to the EU, the list will have a ‘preventive effect’ by keeping them from trying to enter the European market in the future by such means as offering their planes for charter flights”, Barrots said the spokesperson for Stefaan De Rynck.

However, the commission said that it was considering making aid available to countries whose airlines feature on the blacklist to help improve security. “We are ready to consider financial aid, within the framework of development aid, to help these companies get up to date with security rules” said the Development Commissioner Louis Michel. To learn more on Aviation Security in Africa Visit IQPC.

Faster baggage screening at Tallahassee

The Tallahassee Democrat reports that the airport is getting a faster (larger) baggage screening machine to replace the existing slower (smaller) one of two they have. The TSA owns these machines, but Tallahassee got themselves pushed up the wait list by paying the $50,000 cost of shipping, installing, and certifying the machine.

Other airport improvements are on the way. Two new baggage claim carousels arrive in the fall. Airport security cameras, doors, and the gate entrance area get upgraded (for $1.5 million) in early 2007.

Belonging to a terrorist group might not stop you

Draft regulations for a Canadian no-fly list confirm that simply being a member of a terrorist organization won't necessarily put you on the list, according to CTV.ca. You also "have to be a demonstrable threat to aviation safety." The Passenger Protect initiative calls for a periodic 30 day review of list names, and an independent appeal process. Transport Canada looks to have the list ready by the end of the year.

US RFID passports

CNNMoney.com tells us in e-Passports: Ready or not here they come that the State Department plans to begin issuing electronic passports in late August, 2006.

This concept has come under some criticism in the past over concerns (right or wrong) that US travelers could become the victims of "skimming." This is where someone with the proper radio frequency equipment (basically an RFID reader) gets close to you and reads the personal information contained in the passport RFID.

Besides the CNNMoney article above, see RFID US Passports Coming in August in DailyTech for an entertaining discussion of this topic. The one I like the best is the guy who essentially says, "Hey, I don't want to walk around so that someone with evil intent can tell that I'm an American." The response is, "You don't need an e-Passport in your pocket for someone to tell you're an American!" How true.

Also, the U.S. Department of State has a page The U.S. Electronic Passport, but that doesn't have a whole lot yet.

You can learn more about RFID by searching for it on Wikipedia. These are the same things used for road toll collection in Singapore and the US and probably other places. Many companies use them for employee identification badges. City transit companies use them. So do many inventory systems. You can embed them in your pet for identification purposes. RFID is nothing new.

Tossing the TSA at Orlando?

According to OIA considers privatizing security in the Orlando Sentinel, "Officials at Orlando International Airport are studying the idea of tossing out the Transportation Security Administration in favor of a private company to run the airport's security checkpoints."

"Deputy Executive Director Chris Schmidt said the airport formed a task force to evaluate the idea, but doesn't plan to make a decision for several months."

It seems Schmidt (and Congressman John Mica, chairman of the House of Representatives' aviation subcommittee) are willing to consider the possibility that a contractor could be more efficient and produce shorter wait times.

Nothing like a little competition to increase customer satisfaction, I say!

This is the same John Mica, by the way, who recently opposed the use of federal funds to build the airport infrastructures necessary to support A380 jetliners. Since no U.S. airlines have ordered the jet, Mica ponders, why should U.S. taxpayers foot the bill for U.S. airport improvements? Hmm. The logic sort of seems right, but sort of doesn't...

Speaking of John Mica

Mica recently opened a hearing on airline baggage screening and explosive detection systems. In his opening statement at the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, Mica said:

The "hearing will focus on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) process for certifying, testing, deploying, and funding integrated in-line Explosive Detection Systems (or EDS) for screening checked baggage. "

"The TSA’s first step was to waste an estimated billion dollars to contract for Airport EDS Installation Designs that sit on shelves or will never be used. I intend to ask the Inspector General and GAO to investigate and review this contract."

Go get 'em John!

"In the rush to meet its Congressionally-mandated deadlines, TSA unfortunately created a hodgepodge system of explosives traces detection and stand-alone EDS machines."

"Even more unfortunate, the vast majority of airports in the country are still in a state of disarray today. We still have crowded airport lobbies, inconvenienced passengers, and enormous headaches for airport operators and airlines. This patchwork system has also resulted in a small array of personnel costs with more baggage screeners, increased on-the-job-injury rates, and huge workers’ compensation costs."

Mica goes on to site data supporting his criticisms, and then:

"Bottom line, our nation’s aviation security system must become smarter and more efficient. We absolutely must make better use of limited resources and come up with a more efficient and speedy process for testing certifying and deploying new security technologies."

Radiation monitors at airports

If you worry about exposure to radiation at airports from all the screening equipment, you're not alone. Doha International Airport now has 20 Radiation Monitoring Detectors to help keep your exposure below internationally permissible levels.

The Supreme Council of Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR) isn't stopping there and plans to install similar detectors at select hospitals and industries around Qatar.

Source: The Peninsula, Radiation monitors installed across city.

Australian air marshals

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation informs us that the "union representing Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers says it is aware of an internal investigation into Australia's air marshal program, involving claims of bullying, harassment and jobs for mates."

There is an unconfirmed report that "training officers have been accused of putting flight security at risk by choosing friends or drinking buddies as air marshals over other applicants."

I've said it before: the guys watching the bad guys need to be good guys.

Municipal airport security

Tops Digital Security, a subsidiary of Global ePoint, has joined the municipal airport security market with a system of cameras and closed-circuit digital video recording capability. They are also providing access control equipment with proximity card readers to the undisclosed airport.

Digital video recording records the video image digitally (duh) and eliminates the use of video tape (remember that stuff?)

Global ePoint (GEPT) serves the aviation market through Global Airworks, it's aviation division. Airline security and safety solutions include CDSS (Cockpit Door Surveillance System), a "video surveillance system that allows pilots to monitor the cabin and baggage compartment from the safety of the cockpit," according to their website.

TWA Flight 800 conspiracy theory

TWA Flight 800 went down 10 years ago off the Long Island coast. Some cling to the theory that a missile was responsible. If you want to see what those proponents think, read How the FBI misled the public from WorldNetDaily.

U.S.-bound passengers to get more scrutiny

In Fliers headed to USA face scrutiny, USA Today reports that passengers will get a more rigorous check before departure.

Currently, airlines check their passenger list against a "no-fly list," then notify the U.S. government of the results. The government then checks the airline-supplied list against the FBI's comprehensive terrorist watch list, but by then the plane is typically on the way. This has resulted in a number of airline diversions when suspect names pop out.

The new process has the complete screening completed 15 minutes before the plane leaves the gate at the foreign airport.

Makes sense to me.

Travel Safety Information

Detective Kevin Coffey specializes in travel safety seminars, training tapes, and travel safety products. According to his site, he is currently employed by a large police department and "has been personally responsible for investigating thousands of crimes committed against travelers at airports, hotels, and car rental agencies."

I have no experience with his services, but he does have a pretty extensive Travel Safety Information page with hundreds of tips that will be of interest to any traveler. Under "Airline safety tips and information," you'll find these pages:

Suggested Sites
Questions Passengers Can Ask A Pilots
What can & Cannot Fly?
How to Survive an Airplane Crash
Aircraft Emergency Tips For Travelers
Airport Codes
Airplane seat configuration - Is your seat in an emergency exit row?
Airline Movie Listings, See what movie will be on your flight
Will I be allowed to check in for my flight without a photo ID?
Understanding Your airline ticket and boarding pass
Tips for first-time and infrequent traveler
Tips for In-Flight Comfort
Airline Ticket Contract Terms
Useful 800 Travel Industry Telephone Numbers
Lost / Stolen Airline Tickets
Lost, Delayed and Damaged Luggage
Thefts at Airport Screening Stations

There are also hotel tips, home security tips, internal driving tips, and LOTS more. Have a look.

What would you think about this?

The Delta Airlines passenger has a Middle Eastern name. [That alone is irrelevant to my way of thinking.] He says "no" when asked if he has a laptop in his baggage. [Still nothing.] The x-Ray screener finds otherwise. [Hmm.] Also in the baggage is a clock [we all have clocks] with a 9-volt battery taped to it [Umm, a spare?] and a copy of the Quran [Again, not relevant to me.] But then the screener found both shoe soles gutted out. [That's a little funny.]

What would you do?

Houston police cleared the passenger for travel. The TSA screener disagreed. Oh yes, the police couldn't do a criminal background check because of [you guessed it] computer problems.

The FBI got involved, investigated the passenger, and "deemed it a non-event." The police officer was transferred to a desk job, but he's confused as to why.

It's probably not as comical as it reads. I hope.

From HPD, airport security at odds over incident in chron.com.

Travel security in Africa

The Preventing and Combating Terrorism in Africa conference will be held 29 - 31 August 2006, at the Castle Kyalami, Johannesburg, South Africa. The subtitle is: "A Terror Free Africa: Minimizing threats posed by the global surge of Terrorism and Terrorist Activities."

Dublin Airport bomb scares

After two bomb scares in five days affected flights at Dublin Airport, the Dublin Airport Authority will step up security, says the Irish Examiner.

In one case, a departing passenger left a bag behind, resulting in the evacuation of 6,000 people. A copy of the Koran on top of the bag probably affected how the situation was handled, right or wrong.

Bag on flight, passenger not

Many frequent travelers have experienced delays when a passenger doesn't board the flight, but the luggage is on board. The bags have to come off before the flight can leave. It's one of the basic security rules.

An Indian Airlines flight recently violated this rule. That's bad enough, but the airline didn't realize the problem until after the passenger, an elderly lady, made a huge stink about being left behind.

IA is investigating.

India Times

Manila International Airport security

The Manila Standard Today reports in Cusi fields stealth cops against pilferers that the Manila International Airport will employ the "National Police Aviation Security Group to stem the increased incidents of pilferage and at the same time beef up NaiaÂ’s antiterrorist drive." Apparently, complaints about thieves had been coming from foreign and local travelers.

Domodedovo Airport installs CTX 5500 DS scanning equipment

Domodedovo International Airport has commissioned a new high-throughput luggage scanning system in the check-in area operated by the Israeli national air carrier EL AL Israel Airlines. The scanner is the new CTX 5500 DS produced by General Electric.

Domodedovo International Airport is located 35 km (22 miles) south of Moscow, Russia.

Source: Russia Newswire.

International Aviation Security Technology Symposium

The 4th International Aviation Security Technology Symposium will be held Monday, November 27, 2006 - Friday, December 01, 2006 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel , 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC.

This is billed as the "premier U.S. government forum specific to advancing aviation security technology, policy, and procedures. The Symposium is held once every five years and is conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Directorate for Science & Technology and the Transportation Security Administration."

U.S. spending on security

AlterNet is a "news magazine and online community" that seeks "to inspire citizen action and advocacy." Their recent essay, America's Disastrous Budgets, is part of a series from a project by the Center for International Studies at MIT called Audits of the Conventional Wisdom , one of which is Budgets to Make America Safer (pdf, 580KB, 4p).

There are 3 ways to spend money to improve security:

1. Offensive: national defense - DOD, Department of Energy
   
2. Defensive: homeland security - law enforcement, aviation security
   
3. Preventive: international affairs - foreign affairs and diplomacy
   

In 2006, U.S. national security budget in all 3 categories is $630 billion, mostly to the offensive element. But the "post-9/11 real increase in national security budgets goes not to make the United States safer from the threat of catastrophic terrorism, but to operations in Iraq and business as usual in the Department of Defense."

The paper goes on to illustrate the spending elements of these 3 categories, but the main point is that a reallocation of offensive spending (even a small one) to defensive and preventive categories would have a significant impact on security.

Luggage Theft

allAfrica.com reports in South Africa: Luggage Missing? Johannesburg Airport in Spotlight that the busiest airport in Africa has 280 cases of petty theft per month. It's just 0.07% but not so much fun if you're one of the 280.

One cause is reported to be areas in the luggage collection area not covered by any of the 1,400 surveillance cameras. And the handlers know where the blind spots are.

Give this piece a read if you are heading to South Africa. And while you are at it, poke through allAfrica.com for some good material prior to your trip. It's always good to know the political and social climate of a destination ahead of time.

Sacramento International Airport dumps registered traveler system

MSNBC reports in Airport drops 'trusted travel' program plans that Sacramento International Airport will not participate in the trusted traveler program. It seems they ran a poll on the airport website, and folks said they didn't want to pay for a faster security process.

Jet travel safer than ever

USA Today says the chances of dying on a U.S. airline jet flight are lower today than ever. In the 1980's, you had a 1 in 7.2 million chance of dying. In the 1990's, the chance dropped to 1 in 9.2 million. In 2000 through 2005, you had a 1 in 22.8 million chance of dying.

These statistics were calculated by Arnold Barnett, an MIT expert on aviation safety, and are a bit different than the metrics you usually see. "Number of incidents" is interesting, but those don't all involve passengers. Also, some reported incidents don't present a threat to passengers.

If you are a passenger and your aircraft is damaged in an incident, or if there is a ground accident, you care, but in the end, if you are dead you care the most.

Nevertheless, other statistics are telling. According to Aviation Safety Network, in 2005 only 3% of the world's departures occurred in Africa, yet 37% of the fatal accidents took place there. Those 13 accidents compare to 7 in Europe and 6 in Asia. North America came in at 3.

So what are the reasons for the improved safety? The article lists these:

• midair collision warning devices
• windshear pilot training
• airline flight tracking via computer
• the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS)
  

According to the Honeywell site, the EGPWS "uses aircraft inputs such as position, attitude, air speed and glideslope, which along with internal terrain, obstacles, and airport databases predict a potential conflict between the aircraft's flight path and terrain or an obstacle." (See the Wikipedia piece for a good description.)

Related: Aviation security may be altering, warns MIT Sloan professor. It's not a new press release, but the same Arnold Barnett above has written about the effects of some of the TSA actions. He takes a statistical approach and just seems to make sense.