Aviation and Transportation Security Act 2001

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 Aviation and Transportation Security Act


 

Terrorist hijackings were nothing new to the aviation world with countless hijackings or attempts throughout the history of aviation. Although measures were taken beforehand, September 11, 2001 would be the day that changed the aviation world forever. Many of us most likely remember where we were on that fateful day when 18 operatives from an al-Qaeda terrorist network hijacked four commercial airliners over the U.S. killing nearly 3,000 people.

 

In response to this, Congress would go on to pass S.1447 - Aviation and Transportation Security Act on November 19, 2001, establishing the TSA. Quite a few major changes came along with this new Act including federalization of the screening workforce, 100% screening of baggage for explosives, expanded list of individuals that could be denied aircraft boarding or subjected to additional screening, deploying an increased amount of air marshals, the creation of a program to arm aircraft pilots, and the hardening of cockpit doors. (Klenka, 2019)

 

The TSA made three important changes to make the security screening operations more efficient. Before 9/11, there were only 16,200 private security screeners, who were all basically screening passengers. By the end of 2002, 56,000 were hired for both passenger and baggage screenings. TSA increased the compensation, by offering better wages and benefits, in turn reducing turnover among security screeners. Third is the training hours for the screeners. Before 9/11, they averaged about 12 hours, and post 9/11 they more than 100 training hours. (Klenka, 2019)

 

Ultimately, I chose this Act because we would never fly the same again after 9/11. With the increased measures of security that were added from the airport to the skies, and the continuous evolving measures they continue to implement to deter potential attacks, TSA’s creation has had an immense impact on the aviation industry and the way we fly.

 



References

Klenka, M. (2019). Major incidents that shaped aviation security. Journal of Transportation Security, 12(1-2), 39-56. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2547773139

S.1447 - 107th Congress (2001-2002): Aviation and transportation ... (n.d.). https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/senate-bill/1447/text

T. (2018b, November 19). History of TSA. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrh-X32PXFQ&feature=youtu.be

TSA history. TSA History | Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). https://www.tsa.gov/history

2007-present: The Evolution - Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/9003_layout_mission_hall_exhibit_the_evolution.pdf

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