rickair7777

All 121 crew have a SIDA clearance, that's what KCM is based on. For non-121, I don't think that's the case. Those who operate out of a terminal or ramp which requires SIDA would have either a clearance or badge. I don't see why those with SIDA shouldn't have access to KCM, they probably don't use it much anyway, except for DHD.

KCM is a government service paid for by Uncle Sugar (not ALPA). Anyone who meets the baseline criteria should have access. The jumpseat is a whole different story though.

Despite popular union mythology, ALPA did not single-handedly create or pay for KCM. They advocated for it, and it went nowhere. TSA's bureaucratic food is number of screenings, and they weren't going to give that up for crew convenience. What actually happened was the TSA began experiencing epic delays and getting heat from DC. They naturally and in best bureaucratic fashion told congress they'd fix the delays as soon as they got more money, at which point congress told them to pound sound and started making noise about out-sourcing pax screening again. That prompted the TSA to get lean, and the KCM proposal helped them out in that regard... they could get more pax through-put by not screening crew.

2StgTurbine

I've been on both sides, so here is my take.

As far as "airlines paid to create the program, so 135 can't be in it." That's not how the government decides who can participate in security programs. SkyWest didn't fund it, Breeze didn't fund it, and the AFA didn't fund it either, yet they are/will be part of it. Also, to get access to the program, the 135 company I worked at not only had to pay a large initial fee to join, but each pilot had to pay a yearly fee ($300-500).

SIDA badges aren't limited to 121 either. I flew non-scheduled 135 and had a SIDA badge.

The only arguments against KCM for 135 I see is it adds a lot more people to the program who don't really understand the program and/or won't get that much benefit out of it. I would deadhead 4 times a month so for me, it wasn't worth paying the yearly fee to be in KCM since TSA precheck was usually just as fast. The people at my company that did pay the fee largely just did it because they thought it was cool to join.

While many 135 pilots are professional, experienced, and understand the program, there is a significant number who don't. 135 doesn't have long comprehensive indoc classes and the instructors usually don't have that much experience with KCM. As a result some 135 pilots have misconceptions about the program that can cause issues. Using it for international travel, thinking TSA prohibited items don't apply, and thinking they can jumpseat with it are some of them.

SaintNick

netjets and the like should have never been allowed into kcm. It should be for crew members who actually work out of terminals. If netjets could do it why shouldn’t everyone else if they are able to pass a background check?

ElCaribe

My point exactly. Flight Attendants have it because they work out of the terminals.

uboatdriver

The same argument could be made for Brown and Purple, but I don’t think anyone wants to see them lose KCM.

Swakid8

Brown and Purple bring a lot more to table into Jumpseat agreements vs a lot of 135 outfits.

ElCaribe

Fly through FedEx in Memphis at 1am and you’ll see just how true this is.

Swakid8

Brown and Purple are the best hidden secrets...

UnbeatenPath

But this is about KCM not CASS

Swakid8

‘I have no issues with any flight crews in the 135 world using KCM. As long as they pay into the system and follow the proper procedures to not cause issues with it. I take issues with 135 folks trying to use the jumpseat for save their company money on to meet a airplane. I don’t know how KCM was brought up as it has nothing to with CASS or jumpseating and shouldn’t be a big deal.