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Main Page | Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to the multiple attacks of September 11, 2001, Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta established a Rapid Response Team for Aircraft Security. As members of that team, our mission was to advise the Secretary on actions to address the continuing threat posed by a hijacker intent on using a U.S. airline's aircraft as a weapon of mass destruction. We received ideas and information from all quarters, and prepared a set of recommendations to be implemented together with security enhancements at airports. The combined effects of better security at airports and better security in aircraft will be a powerful deterrent. A would-be hijacker will never again see commercial aviation as a convenient tool in a terrorist plan.
Our recommendations for aircraft security improvement are designed to deny or at least delay any unauthorized access to the flight deck, better train crewmembers to deal with security risks, and ensure the flow of information from the aircraft to air traffic control. We strongly recommend the following actions to improve aircraft security. Flight Deck Door Design should include additional locks or other barriers to prevent access to the flight deck. In the long term, new doors should be designed to address both safety and security risks to the flight deck. Flight Deck Access should be strictly limited, using improved procedures for identifying anyone seeking access. In the long term, procedures should be implemented using automation and electronics to verify credentials of all those who seek access to the aircraft jumpseat. Defensive Capabilities in the Cabin and Flight Deck should be evaluated to determine those which might be the most effective. Security Training and Delivering Information should be improved to address the current threats. Information should be made available to crewmembers in a timely way. Cabin Search Procedures should be continued, but additional training and guidance needs to be provided. In the long term, a Federal security agency, recommended by the team on airport security, should assume this function. Transponders should be modified or supplemented to ensure that the flow of information from the aircraft cannot be interrupted. Aircraft Defensive Methods based on some procedures currently included in pilot training, may be a beneficial tool and should be a component of pilot training. Finally, we strongly endorse the President's announced decision to increase the number of Federal Air Marshals traveling on U.S. airlines.
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America Attacked