VIRGIN Blue pilot tests positive for traces of explosives
From "The Australian"
Pilot allowed to fly despite positive test for explosive
Natalie O'Brien | November 05, 2008
A VIRGIN Blue pilot who tested positive for traces of explosives and then avoided security guards was allowed to continue unchecked and fly a passenger aircraft.
The security breach at Sydney's domestic airport in August was sparked when the pilot, who has not been identified, was selected for the random explosives testing but left the security screening area while guards were waiting for the results of the sample.
Instead of calling in the Australian Federal Police and grounding all the outbound Virgin Blue flights until the pilot was found, the guards covered up the security breach.
An investigation by The Australian into the incident has exposed a widespread problem with the testing of pilots that could be exploited by terrorists.
Security sources say pilots are often not selected for the explosives testing because of their aggressive attitude towards it.
It is understood that there have been several incidents in Australian airports in which pilots have refused the random explosives test, leading to reprimands from the airlines.
Aviation security experts warned of the risks involved in pilots refusing to undergo the tests.
Nick O'Brien, an associate professor in counter terrorism at Charles Sturt University, said: "If it became known that pilots were immune to screening it would be tempting to train as a pilot and get a job or target them and steal their passes."
The explosive trace scanners can give false-positive readings, which are triggered by high-nitrogen content fertilisers, some perfumes or shoe polish. Positive readings can also be given by people who have come into contact with fireworks or who have been to a fireworks display.
Last year, two Qantas pilots, one a captain, refused to remove their shoes for screening after setting off security alarms.
A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said yesterday it was aware of the incident in August at Sydney airport. He said the actions of the Virgin Blue pilot were unacceptable and a breach of the security procedures.
"Aviation security regulations require that airports and airlines ensure that all persons entering a sterile area of an airport (including air crew) be screened," the spokesman said. "Explosive trace detection sampling is one layer of the screening process. Undertaken on a random and continuous basis, it may result in flight crew being selected for sampling."
SNP Security, the company that employed the guards, said it had sacked three staff involved in the security breach and cover-up.
"A thorough SNP Security investigation took place following the incident, and upon completion of the investigation appropriate disciplinary action was taken," a company spokeswoman said.
A Virgin Blue spokeswoman said the company was investigating the allegations.
The revelations about the security breach come as it was revealed that British security services had discovered up to 100 potential terrorists posing as postgraduate students. It is believed the suspects tried to gain access to laboratories to obtain the materials and expertise needed to create chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.
And the cleaners, refuelers, ground crew, safety officers, Cutter 1, Air traffic controllers, Ambo's, maintenance personnel (painters etc), engineers, aircraft washers, Aircraft painters, the guys who dump the loo and fill the water apparently are more trustworthy and don't need to go throught security of undertake explosives tests! I feel safe already
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Last edited by fmcinop; 4th Nov 2008 at 22:28.