Cargo Operator, Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Maintenance Operator, Aircraft Operator, Corporate Flight Department, Flight Training Provider, Blog, Other Background Checks | March 16, 2015
The Biggest Threat To Your Business May Be Working For You!
In September 2013, a TSA screener at Los Angeles International Airport was arrested a few hours after resigning for making threats against the airport on the anniversary of 9/11. In December of that year, the FBI arrested an avionic technician at Wichita Airport for plotting a suicide attack using an improvised explosive device.
These are just a couple of examples of employees who became a significant threat in the workplace. However, workplace threats are not limited to “home-grown” terrorists, radicalized by Islamic militarism. It also includes the careless employee, who unintentionally downloads a virus that infects your company’s computer network, or the disgruntled employee who acts unprofessionally with a customer. You may remember the JetBlue Flight Attendant, who became a YouTube sensation, when he quit his job by yelling a few choice words to passengers, grabbing some beers for the road and using the plane's emergency chute to exit the aircraft.
Cargo Operator, Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Maintenance Operator, Aircraft Operator, Corporate Flight Department, Flight Training Provider, Blog | January 22, 2015
4 Things To Do To Prep For Your Hiring Needs
Updated November 9, 2021 - It is always exciting, and a little intimidating, to grow your operation. However, with careful assessment, you can put together a plan that will enable your operation to attract candidates who fit your current and future needs. Let’s look at four things you can do now to prepare you for your hiring needs.
Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Maintenance Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Manager, Aircraft Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Management, Aircraft Repair, Blog | January 8, 2015
Does Your Drug and Alcohol Policy Change with Medical Marijuana Authorization?
It seems that with every election of late, more and more states vote to decriminalize medical or recreational marijuana. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have voted to legalize some use of marijuana for medical purposes or, in the case of four states, recreationally. These recent changes in state laws are throwing employers, including aircraft operators, into uncharted territory, given the fact that the federal government still classifies the drug as a Schedule I controlled substance that is illegal to use.
Despite this classification, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a memo in 2008, and again in 2013, that federal government resources would not be focused on those individuals complying with state marijuana laws. To help shed some light on the issue, let’s review how these recently passed state laws affect your drug and alcohol policy.
Fixed Base Operator, Aircraft Operator, Corporate Flight Department, Education, Fingerprinting, Blog, DASSP | January 1, 2015
Reviewing the Security Needs At Washington, DC,'s Airport (DCA)
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.
Cargo Operator, Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Maintenance Operator, Aircraft Operator, Corporate Flight Department, Flight Training Provider, Blog | December 4, 2014
Lessons from the Chicago Air Traffic Control Tower Fire
On September 26, all air traffic in and out of Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway international airports were grounded due to a fire in the basement of the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZAU) in Aurora, IL. The center covers 91,000 square miles, and its closure resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights to and from Chicago area airports over several weeks, causing a ripple effect felt throughout the nation.
The fire is being blamed on a contract employee, Brian Howard, who is facing multiple charges and is currently awaiting trial. The damage caused when Howard cut cables; early reports suggest that nearly $123 million in economic activity was lost as a result of the cancelled flights.
“This is one of the most challenging situations that air traffic controllers and other FAA employees have faced since 9/11,” NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said. Rinaldi went on to say that it was almost impossible to overestimate the damage Howard caused.
Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Maintenance Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Manager, Aircraft Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Management, Aircraft Repair, Blog | October 27, 2014
Training and Safety Still Not Meeting FAA Expectations
A recent rash of proposed civil penalties is showing that training and safety measures taken by operators is still not meeting the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) expectations or mandates. From allowing mechanics to operate without proper training to gaps in drug and alcohol programs, to improper repairs, aircraft operators have some work to do to in the eyes of the FAA.
Training, Cargo Operator, Fixed Base Operator, Aircraft Operator, DASSP, TFSSP, PCSSP | October 6, 2014
TSA Security Training - Which Employees Are Required to Participate?
Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Maintenance Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Manager, Aircraft Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Management, Aircraft Repair, Blog | August 7, 2014
Getting Your Anti-Drug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program Off the Ground
There is little room for error in the airline industry, so safety is a top priority for operators and regulators alike. It’s no surprise, then, that the airline industry is subject to numerous, complicated requirements from several different agencies. As part of the push towards safe air transportation, detecting and preventing drug and alcohol misuse is a critical component of any operator’s overall safety program. It’s also required in order to for an operator to continue business.
Training, Cargo Operator, Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Manager, Aircraft Operator, Corporate Flight Department, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Management, Flight Training Provider, Blog, DASSP, TFSSP | June 19, 2014
Online or In-Person: Which Security Training is Right for Your Facility?
Security is top priority in the aviation industry, so it’s no wonder there are specific and strict regulations around training airline operators and staff on proper security measures.
Training, Fixed Base Operator, Aircraft Operator, Corporate Flight Department, DASSP, TFSSP | January 30, 2014
4 Reasons You're Not the Best Person to Train Your Staff
When it comes to cutting corners, you’d probably prefer to do more in-house so that you spend less. It makes sense, doesn’t it?