TSA inspector finds apparent security lapses

“The inspector was able to gain access to the interior of seven of the nine aircraft inspected, which is an apparent violation of the airline’s security program,” Ellen Howe, a TSA spokesperson, reported.

She added that the airline faces potential fines due to the incidents: “TSA is reviewing the inspection results, and depending on the conclusion could take action with the airline up to and including levying of civil penalties.”

Shortly after the incidents were reported, American Airlines grounded nine of its jets at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. It learned that a TSA inspector boarded one or more planes by grabbing hold of a rod on the outside of the plane, called a Total Air Temperature (TAT) probe. The probe is used to measure temperature, an official from the airline explained.

Forty flights were delayed due to the security breach.

The aim of the inspector’s actions was “to look for and test, among other things, access vulnerabilities or areas were someone with ill intent could gain access to the aircraft,” the TSA noted, and also said: “Aircraft operators are required to secure each aircraft when left unattended.”

A spokesperson for American Eagle, Andrea Huguely, confirmed that the carrier had grounded the planes after hearing that the inspector grabbed the TAT probe, as the action could have caused damage to the instrument and the plane.

“It delayed a lot of folks getting to where they had to go yesterday,” she added. “This was something we had never experienced before.”

www.tsa.gov