Security and Dangerous Goods (SEC/DG)
Airport Security Issues
Development of on Expedited Crew Access program
The AFAP has announced the formation of an initiating Working Group (iWG) to develop an Expedited Crew Access (ECA) program for Australian aircrew. This initiative aims to enhance security and efficiency at airports through a trust-based screening system, similar to programs like Known Crewmember in the USA. Calling for assistance.
Key Objectives
The iWG will focus on:
- Gathering evidence on the benefits of trust-based screening
- Identifying key stakeholders in the Australian government
- Building a coalition of support from airlines, airports, and unions
- Developing a comprehensive proposal for the ECA program
- Engaging policymakers and raising public awareness
- Addressing potential concerns and objections
Call for Pilot Involvement
The AFAP has a few volunteers however is calling for more interested pilots to get involved in this crucial initiative. Members experiencing frustrations with current security screening processes are encouraged to submit reports, which will be one of the strategies tabled as part of the iWG's efforts.
Next Steps
The iWG will explore eligibility criteria, background check requirements, and privacy protections for the proposed ECA program. It will also investigate potential legislative changes needed for implementation and funding strategies.
Pilots interested in contributing to this initiative or sharing their experiences with airport security screening should contact AFAP S&T at technical@afap.org.au.
The AFAP is also aware of the frustration members are experiencing through security screening at various airports. We are collating any reports from members to table as part of a proposed initiating Working group (iWG). Please continue to send these reports to technical@afap.org.au so they can be added to the agenda if the iWG.
IFALPA DG Committee meeting
AFAP hosted the IFALPA Dangerous Goods committee meeting in our Brisbane office in early October 2024. The meeting agenda focused on:
1. The increased fire risk and associated issues with mitigating or containing lithium battery thermal runaway events.
2. Preparations for a committee member to attend the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP).
3. Issues related to the carriage of DGs, including via drafting Position Papers on:
a. Risk mitigation of fire risks of electrically powered vehicles and equipment airside.
b. Flight deck lithium battery thermal runaway events and the overall risk this poses to flight safety if insufficiently addressed through risk assessment and mitigation; and
c. Energy content of Lithium batteries in air cargo
4. ICAO Annex 18 (DGs Annex) is being updated by the work of the DGP and IFALPA is making many contributions. This Annex is long overdue for an update as it currently dates from 1989.
5. The meeting had local guests attend and present, including CASA, Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia), and Virgin Australia’s DG representative.
Follow the link to learn more about the work of the Dangerous Goods (DG) Committee | IFALPA
Australian Dangerous Goods Air Transport Council (ADGATC)
AusALPA participated in the recent ADGATC meeting. Matters of interest to us included CASA commissioning research on passenger attitudes and awareness of air travel with items classified as dangerous goods. Additionally, discussion was held on who is responsible for the custody and/or disposal of Personal Electronic Devices (PED) that have gone into thermal runaway (events managed by flight crew), and have subsequently arrived at a destination or transit port.
Both of these matters remain a work-in-progress.