There have been numerous stories in the media over the past several days regarding privacy and other considerations as relate to security screening by Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) systems. In response to numerous inquiries from ALPA members and media, the Association issued a statement today to provide our views on this contentious AIT issue. In its statement ALPA also alluded to the controversial issue of the effectiveness and necessity of applying passenger screening processes to professional airline flightdeck crews.
ALPA over the past 2 years has advocated strongly that airline pilots needed to be removed from the indignity of passenger-style security screening and instead go through a pilot dedicated screening line utilizing the ALPA-developed concept of Crew Personnel Advanced Screening System (CrewPASS). ALPA has been successful in obtaining TSA approval and support for the CrewPASS system and we are looking for opportunities to press for broader implementation of this very important initiative. The following are just a few of the many actions taken by ALPA to advance CrewPASS over the past several months:
· The Board of Directors reaffirmed its strong support for implementation of CrewPASS at all carriers.
· Due to ALPA’s influence, one major ALPA airline has signed a contract with a CrewPASS service provider, and other airlines are giving it serious consideration.
· ALPA’s President, Capt. John Prater, wrote directly to each airline CEO/President and encouraged them to implement CrewPASS.
· ALPA’s National Security Committee created an ad hoc CrewPASS consortium comprised of airline management and ALPA pilot representatives. This consortium developed implementation standards and created an opportunity for more vendors to enter this market, which has resulted in greater competition, better service offerings, and lower implementation costs for airline customers. CrewPASS vendors are actively marketing their services to the airlines.
ALPA is confident that its tireless efforts will ultimately result in nationwide implementation of CrewPASS. Please direct any questions or comments that you may have about CrewPASS to the Engineering & Air Safety department (800-424-2470).