SECURITY OF MOBILE DEVICE CHARGING SOURCES
In a recent ALPA security report, a crewmember reported leaving a downtown Chicago layover via Lyft, whereby the driver offered a USB cable to the pilot to charge his mobile device. Further examination revealed the cable was plugged into a small computer-like device, whereupon the pilot rejected the driver's offer.
This incident highlights the risks associated with using charging cords for mobile devices in public settings, including electronic flight bags (EFBs) that may be attached to unknown devices in public areas. In this case, the Lyft driver may have been trying to obtain data from the pilot's mobile device. Charging stations are commonly found in airports and other public areas.
ALPA recommends: Best practice dictates that "charge only" cords and power adapters provided with the device by the manufacturer and/or company should be used. The integrity of your company-issued EFBs and personal mobile devices, and the data that reside within these units, must be protected from physical intrusions in the public domain.
CABIN AIR QUALITY MEETING: FEBRUARY 25
A one-day Cabin Air Quality meeting, hosted by the ALPA Air Safety Organization and Engineering and Air Safety Department, will take place on February 25 in the conference center at ALPA's offices in Herndon, Va. This event will facilitate information sharing about ongoing air quality activities at both the international ALPA level and the air carrier level. Discussions will include the medical, maintenance, and aircraft design aspects of the safety and health concerns around aircraft air quality. MEC participation is encouraged, and this meeting is for ALPA members only.