Depending on the type of transportation (e.g. aviation) operation, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) on certain individuals, as described by the Code of Federal Regulations, who perform certain security-sensitive job functions. For example, a CHRC must be completed for all flight crew personnel on aircraft that operates commercially and has a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) of greater than 12,500 pounds. Also, all individuals who have unescorted access to Secure Identification Display Areas (SIDA), and all individuals who perform screening functions for passengers, checked baggage and cargo require a CHRC.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP)
Posted by Brenda Stoltz on Sun, Oct 31, 2021
With all the regulations out there in the aviation industry, it can be hard to understand the fine print. You know you need to comply with the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP), but you might not understand exactly what it is. So, let’s break it down.
Read MoreDCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) Training
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Tue, Jun 01, 2021
An aircraft operator must comply with the measures of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) to receive authorization to conduct flights into and out of DCA. One of the requirements is to provide certain training to employees involved with the program. Below is an overview of the training modules we offer.
Read MoreAviation: A Transportation Method for Human Trafficking
Posted by Joe Dalton on Fri, Apr 30, 2021
Written by: Claudia Culmone
Human trafficking is a modern term applied to an age-old system that exploits people of all ages and backgrounds for profit or personal gratification.
The trafficking of humans can be traced back thousands of years to civilizations that include the Romans, Egyptians, Mayans, Aztecs and Chinese. During these periods, transportation of victims was primarily achieved by marching them over land on foot. In the 17th century, traffickers used ships, transforming the institution into a global business. The dawn of aviation provided a new transportation option for traffickers – one that is still heavily used today.
Read MoreFMCSA vs. FAA, part 2
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Mon, Jul 09, 2018
Knowing when a company needs to set up a drug program, or when safety-sensitive employees should be administered a drug or alcohol test, is not always intuitive. But what if you have safety-sensitive employees who are subject to more than one agency? In Part 1 of our blog series, we discussed the differences between the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drug programs. For Part 2, we’re diving into when a safety-sensitive employee reports to both agencies and what you should know.
Read MoreFMCSA & FAA Drug Programs
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Tue, Apr 24, 2018
Drug programs: FMCSA vs. FAA, part 1
Complying with the guidelines of more than one U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) agency is challenging, especially when it concerns drug testing. How do you know if you need multiple drug programs? When should employees be tested? What should you do if you have employees who fall under more than one DOT agency? In our first of two blogs, we discuss when a drug program is needed, testing requirements, and the differences between drug programs for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Read MoreWhy and When to Adopt a Twelve-Five Standard Security Program
Posted by Bailey Wong on Thu, Apr 05, 2018
In the fall of 2001, four commercial airliners were turned into weapons of mass destruction, the first time in history. This event, known as 9/11, left the nation shaken to its core and generated significant changes in national security protocols and policy. One of these changes was the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Read MoreTop 6 Questions Regarding Marijuana Use In the Aviation Industry
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Tue, Dec 12, 2017
The use of marijuana for medical or recreational use continues to gain legal ground across the U.S., leaving many people in the Aviation Industry wondering how this affects their operation. In a previous blog post, we discussed the confusion surrounding this topic and presented facts concerning marijuana. To provide more clarity, we answer the top 6 questions that aviation companies have:
Read MoreReviewing the Security Needs At Washington, DC,'s Airport (DCA)
Posted by Brenda Stoltz on Thu, Jan 01, 2015
Updated November 9, 2021
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, some airports serving sensitive markets have been subject to special, enhanced security measures. One of these airports is the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). While the enhanced security measures have eased over the years, there are still special precautions in place designed to keep our nation’s capital safe. Let’s review some of these special requirements and how to begin operating flights in and out of DCA.
Measures Required by the DASSP
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Defense (DOD) collaborated after 9/11 to create the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) to regulate aircraft operations in and out of DCA. The program requires extra security for all crewmembers and passengers. For crewmembers, DASSP requires both a TSA inspection and fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC). Since 2011, operators were allowed to, once again, change their flight crew at the last minute, providing they have gone through the proper security screenings required by DASSP.
Read MorePrivate Charter Standard Security Program: What You Need to Know
Posted by Brenda Stoltz on Thu, Feb 20, 2014
Updated November 9, 2021
Why is information on air traffic compliance and regulations so difficult to understand? If you run a private charter, you may know you need to adhere to the Private Charter Standard Security Program, though you may not know what that entails. Here, we break it down for you in easy to understand language so you can ensure that you’re compliant and take measures to get your staff properly trained and vetted.