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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Enhanced Security for Air Crews

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set standards for the CrewPASS program, paving the way for nationwide expansion. CrewPASS is an initiative that verifies flight crew identity through biometrics, enhancing security and expediting the screening process for all travelers. “Working together, TSA, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), ARINC and others made CrewPASS a success in its test phase, and soon it will be possible to put it in place at airports nationwide,” said ALPA President Capt. John Prater. “As a result, the identity of U.S. pilots will be positively verified and crewmembers will be expedited through security screening checkpoints.” Eligible flight deck crewmembers will enter the secure area via the exit lane of the security checkpoint after presenting their airline-issued identification and another form of ID to security personnel. An approved biometric will also be used to enhance identity verification. TSA workers will check these credentials against the Cockpit Access Security System (CASS) database, which includes a picture and other information to verify the individual’s employment status. Flight deck crewmembers who utilize this program will also be subject to random screening, observation by behavior detection officers and other layers of security. ALPA promoted the CrewPASS concept to Congress and to TSA. In July 2008, TSA initiated a CrewPASS pilot program at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Pittsburgh International, and Columbia Metropolitan airports.