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View Full Version : Flight International - Cargo is the security weak link


Johnny F@rt Pants
12th Mar 2003, 09:00
I work for a cargo airline, operating around Europe on behalf of Fedex, UPS, DHL, and anybody else that'll charter our aircraft, and I must admit that I thought there would be more screening that there apparently is. I find it a bit worrying in the world we now live in, it appears that we are a very easy target to terrorists.

Does anyone have info on this, do some companies screen and some don't, or do they consider it too time consuming and expensive and therefore ignorance is bliss until the day the unthinkable happens, then it'll be a case of shooting after the horse has bolted.

6076FtHigh
13th Mar 2003, 19:39
Johnnny.

My employer does not screen as far as I know since the responsibility lies with the shipper. hmmm... Doesn't really fill me with confidence either.

However, I do take comfort in the belief that going after a cargo plane without passengers does not exactly set a statement for any terrorist!

rgds.

CR2
14th Mar 2003, 18:26
FAA Implements 'Known Shipper' Rule
The FAA has increased cargo security measures in the aftermath of British and U.S. air attacks in Afghanistan. Under the new "known shipper" rule, freight forwarders can submit cargo to a passenger airline only if the goods come from a customer that has booked at least 24 shipments with that forwarder since Sept. 1, 1999. In addition, the shipper must have been doing business with the forwarder before Sept. 1, 1999. If the shipper does not meet those definitions,the shipper is considered an "unknown shipper". For "unknown shippers" the forwarder must validate that the customer is a legitimate business. Validation includes a visit to the shipper's premises and a check of the customer's financial records. The rule is to prevent terrorists from placing explosives, chemical or biological materials or other items that constitute weaponry on an aircraft. The rule may impact small business, other occasional shippers, and the forwarder's ability to market to new clients.

http://www.txm.com/news1.htm

411A
15th Mar 2003, 02:06
Yes, quite true.
Also, you will find in the not too distant future, that cargo of any kind will not be accepted on pax flights operated by US carriers...and I suspect, by certain foreign carriers as well.
Good for the freight guys.

CR2
15th Mar 2003, 06:48
Hi 411A,
I thought that was the case for US pax carriers post Sept.11 but had meanwhile been relaxed; you mean FAA is going to change the rules again?

411A
15th Mar 2003, 15:03
CR2,
Yes believe so, and from what we have been told, certain foreign aircarriers will do the same, perhaps more than just a few.
Certainly hope so as will build our very small business substantially.

Capt. Horatio Slappy !!
15th Mar 2003, 18:02
In addition to the information presented it is also a requirement for any operators of aircraft weighing 12,500 lbs or more, in this case freight compaies such as mine, to submit their flightcrews to a 10 year fingerprint- criminal backround investigation conducted by the F.B.I. This directive requires compliance by I believe April 15th of this year, any flightcrews not in compliance may not excersize the priviledges of their certificate and/or type ratings for scheduled revenue flying the above mentioned aircraft until this can be completed. My company is using the National Air Transport Association to administer this requirement and come into compliance.
As a foot-note, I am actually amazed that pilots certified by the F.A.A. continue to carry around a small paper card representing their qualifications. I would have expected anyone applying for a commercial pilot license or ATP, post 911, to have to complete a 10 yr backround investigation, employment and criminal and then be issued a credit-card, biometric type Pilot's license with picture and fingerprint data.
This license should also be swipeable and may then be configured to allow access to the S.I.D.A. areas for which the operator has received approval, in addition to being efficient this method might also allow the nationwide pilot data base to then be used as a source for jumpseat approval.
I submitted this suggestion to my local congressman, maybe in 10 to 100 years we might see some action.
In the meantime we shall continue to carry around our hard earned and expensive quals on a piece of 3 by 2 inch recycled goverment toilet paper and brandish our pathetic excuse for a company I.D., something that in my company's case could be manufactured in the cellar by a 5 year old with some color pens , cellotape and some superglue, in the vein hope of grabbing a ride to work.
Security ?? Where ??

hailstone
19th Mar 2003, 07:34
411 A
SQ has started with a 24 hour cooling period for all freight on their pax flights ex FRA today at midnight. freighters not (yet) affcted.
this is before any american carrier has put this into effect.

from what we get at this stage, this is only for freight originating in FRA, supposedly because of security concerns.