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 MoreNATACS DASSP FBO Training
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Wed, Dec 01, 2021
A Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) must comply with the DCA Fixed Base Operator Security Program in order to serve as a last point of departure for general aviation and charter flights into and out of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). FBOs enrolled in DASSP are required to provide certain types of training to their employees. Below is an overview of the training modules we offer.
Read MoreWays to Make Your Aviation Security Training Program More Efficient
Posted by Brandon Bernard on Wed, Oct 27, 2021
In the last couple months we have spent some time talking about aviation security training. We have talked about who needs to take training and who is commonly forgotten. This month we focus on more of the economic consequences of training and what can be done to minimize those.
DCA Access Standard Security Program Information
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Sun, Aug 01, 2021
On Oct.18, 2005, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) officially reopened to general aviation traffic. Flights are permitted to/from DCA for Part 91 and Part 135 operators via the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP). DASSP was developed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure all DCA operators have been properly vetted and adhere to a higher level of security standards.
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 MoreGeneral Aviation Security Guidelines for Airport Operators and Users
Posted by Joe Dalton on Tue, Jul 02, 2019
Updated November 29, 2022
Do you know in 2004 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Operators and Users? The guidelines provided general aviation (GA) operators a quick resource on topics that had only been communicated to commercial operators. In June 2021, the security guidelines document was updated by the TSA’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) to reflect current practices.
Read MoreIs Your Company Safe from Insider Threat?
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Mon, Jan 28, 2019
First, what is an insider threat? According to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 2018 Report of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee on Insider Threats at Airports, “The term insider threat refers to individuals with privileged access to sensitive areas and/or information, who intentionally or unwittingly misuse or allow others to misuse this access to exploit vulnerabilities in an effort to compromise security, facilitate criminal activity, terrorism, or other illicit actions which inflict harm to people, an organization, the air transportation system or national security.”
With that definition in mind, let’s examine the components of insider threat and how you can protect your operation from them.
Read MoreIs Uber Weed in Our Future?
Posted by Bailey Wong on Wed, Nov 14, 2018
Whether it be recreational or medicinal, marijuana is becoming more accessible and its use is growing in popularity. The THC and CBD compounds of marijuana are being added into a lot of edibles. Candy, baked goods, coffee and now beer (yes, it’s a thing) are just a few of the innovative ways the cannabis industry and consumers have incorporated the substance into everyday consumables. While the creativity is impressive, is adding THC and/or CBD to edible items posing a bigger risk than we think?
Read MoreAwareness Training Saves Lives
Posted by Whitney Sigafoose on Tue, Oct 30, 2018
Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic. According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 40.3 million people are victims of modern-day slavery. Of those 40.3 million people, 24.9 million people are in forced labor and 15.4 million are in forced marriage. Contrary to popular belief, this is not just an issue overseas, it is happening right in our own backyard. The image below from the Polaris Project shows the largest hot spots for human trafficking here in the United States.
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