FAA pushes to tighten flight deck security
The Federal Aviation Administration proposed all new passenger jets have a second flight deck barrier door.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg proposed the measure to tighten up security for pilots in the cockpit.
It measure which has been many years in the making.
“Flight crews keep us safe. They, too, deserve to be protected, and this rulemaking is an important step forward,” Buttigieg said.
A secondary flight deck barrier adds another layer of protection when the cockpit door is momentarily open.
The rule would mandate a secondary barrier on all newly built jets within two years
Firstly, there will. a 60-day public consultation period to take feedback.
The FAA first issued guidance on a secondary barrier back in 2007 but successive administrations have failed to take it forward..
Although the flight deck door is only open for mere moments during a flight, these transition times create a risk of unauthorized intrusion. Flight crews often implement ad hoc solutions, using food and beverage carts or other objects as temporary secondary barriers during those times.
Pilot unions called it welcome move but years overdue.
“I am pleased that the FAA has finally taken the first step toward addressing this vulnerability after years of delay—delays caused by airline opposition,” Air Line Pilots Association President Joe DePete said.
The union also wants existing jets retrofitted.
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