Securing Our Skies: Oversight of Aviation Credentials

PURPOSE:

• To examine aviation security issues, including weaknesses in airmen certificates, airport credentials, and other challenges.
• To better understand proposed solutions for increasing safety and security as air travel continues to increase.

BACKGROUND:

• Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, Congress created the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
• TSA is responsible for the oversight of access control to vulnerable areas within airports, largely through issuance of credentials to properly vetted workers.
• Under the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 signed February 14, 2012, Congress mandated creation of improved pilot credentials to prevent counterfeits and develop capacity for use of biometrics for pilot identification.
• The Committee has previously investigated gaps in aviation security due to weaknesses in airmen certificates and airport credentials.