The Maryland Three Program (MD-3) allows properly vetted private pilots to fly to, from or between the three general aviation airports closest to the National Capital Region. These airports are collectively known as the "Maryland Three" airports; they include College Park Airport (CGS), Potomac Airfield (VKX) and Hyde Executive Field (W32). These airports are within the Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and the Washington, D.C., Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ.)
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 MoreReal ID and the Reality of Not Having It
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Thu, Jun 27, 2019
Since January 22, 2018, travelers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is not REAL ID-compliant are required to present an alternative form of identification before boarding a commercial aircraft. Luckily, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website shows all states and territories are compliant or have been granted an extension. As of October 1, 2020, however, anyone planning to travel on a federally-regulated aircraft will be required to present a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID.
Read MoreSingapore Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) To Implement New Alcohol Testing Program For Pilots
Posted by Joe Dalton on Fri, Apr 05, 2019
Did you know that under the European Union (EU) Ramp Inspection Program, both private and commercial aircraft are subject to inspection when operating into/out of any of the 48 participating country states? The inspection covers 53 items and is expected to take 60 minutes, if all items are checked. Recently, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) added to their list of standard inspection items.
Read MoreMark your calendar, folks. Phase 4 of REAL ID is here!
Posted by Bailey Wong on Fri, Mar 29, 2019
National Security is a top priority for the United States, and the forms with which we identify ourselves are being upgraded to meet the minimum-security standards established in the REAL ID Act. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 as an effort to boost the security features of identification cards and therefore, circumvent tampering and counterfeiting. The Act also establishes stricter document requirements in the application process as an added measure to prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining a REAL ID.
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.
Read MoreSafety vs. Security: Is there a difference?
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Wed, Jul 25, 2018
Safety…security: they sound like they are the same thing, right? After all, they both work with the purpose of protecting someone or something from harm. So why are safety and security separated with respect to government authority and oversight?
Read MoreUnderstanding the U.S. Opioid Epidemic
Posted by Claudia Culmone on Mon, Feb 19, 2018
Cable shows like Intervention, news stories from national media outlets and documentaries all show the extent and effects of opioid abuse throughout the world. Many personal stories start in the same fashion: the person suffered a traumatic event, was prescribed an opioid like Percocet® or OxyContin®, found that they liked the way they felt on the drug and then became addicted. For some, the prescription addiction may lead to a dark path of deceit, theft, and use of harsher drugs. For others, the result can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially termed this wave of addiction as a national opioid epidemic.
Read MoreWebcam Hacking is a Real Threat
Posted by Darolyn Skelton on Tue, Jan 31, 2017
The threat of cybercrime is growing rapidly. Now that smart phones, tablets and laptops are a fundamental part of our lives, the threat of webcam hacking is more real than ever, especially as more people use video apps such as Hangout, Skype, Zoom and Blue Jeans. With sophisticated malware, cybercriminals can easily hack your computer and gain access to your webcam. Not only is the webcam on your smart devices an easy target but the security systems and monitors on your home network are also vulnerable. Read about protecting your home network.
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