US aviation authority to address safety concerns

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will soon adopt a series of new measures introduced by Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, all aimed that making air travel even safer for consumers. Peters noted that commercial aviation safety in the US is already among the most stringent anywhere in the world, but found that key improvements would add an extra level of security to air travel. One of the major new steps announced is a new, comprehensive training program for TSA personnel. The Transportation Secretary also wants to ensure that TSA employees avoid getting into “cozy relationships” with airlines, in an effort to ensure that the needs and wellbeing of passengers always comes before any other commitments or considerations. If everything goes according to plan, these new security measures will likely be in place within a matter of six months.

Foreign passengers travelling through American airports will know just how much more stringent and detailed security screening checks are. All passengers are required to pass their shoes through the x-ray scanner and those selected for extra screening (this is usually indicated by an “SSSS” on one’s boarding pass) are subject to a physical search. Most of these strictest security procedures were introduced shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Thank you to the Austin Business Journal for the initial report.