Qantas Boosts Cockpit Safety.
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Qantas Boosts Cockpit Safety.
Qantas boosts cockpit safety
04nov01
QANTAS is considering full-length armour-plated cockpit doors to strengthen the security of its aircraft.
The move follows a decision by Qantas's 25 per cent owner, British Airways, to install the steel doors on its fleet of 248 aircraft.
BA announced it would also reinforce locks and hinges as part of the security measures to stop unauthorised access to the flight deck.
Many international carriers have tightened cockpit security after the hijackings that led to the September 11 US terrorist attacks.
American Airlines has secured the cockpits of its 900 aircraft.
The steel door is one option Qantas is discussing with designers, government and manufacturers.
Cockpit doors are now locked on all Qantas flights and flight deck visits are banned.
BA's announcement came as the union representing Australian security guards urged Federal Transport Minister John Anderson to upgrade luggage screening.
Checks should be made on luggage which went into the hold and on passengers' carry bags, the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union said.
The union also called for tighter security on smaller aircraft and at regional airports. Passenger screening was not compulsory for 35-seat planes, the union said.
04nov01
QANTAS is considering full-length armour-plated cockpit doors to strengthen the security of its aircraft.
The move follows a decision by Qantas's 25 per cent owner, British Airways, to install the steel doors on its fleet of 248 aircraft.
BA announced it would also reinforce locks and hinges as part of the security measures to stop unauthorised access to the flight deck.
Many international carriers have tightened cockpit security after the hijackings that led to the September 11 US terrorist attacks.
American Airlines has secured the cockpits of its 900 aircraft.
The steel door is one option Qantas is discussing with designers, government and manufacturers.
Cockpit doors are now locked on all Qantas flights and flight deck visits are banned.
BA's announcement came as the union representing Australian security guards urged Federal Transport Minister John Anderson to upgrade luggage screening.
Checks should be made on luggage which went into the hold and on passengers' carry bags, the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union said.
The union also called for tighter security on smaller aircraft and at regional airports. Passenger screening was not compulsory for 35-seat planes, the union said.
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What about their regional associates? According to NJS the threat is so weak that absolutely nothing will be changed from previous policy on cockpit visits or locking of the cockpit door. Perhaps Qantas should spread some of their wisdom to the regionals as well.
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I would have thought that QF would DIRECT it's contractors to comply. I can tell you for a fact that it's wholly-owned subsidiaries have changed their security procedures.
However, these procedures are only as good as the screening at the outports. At the moment (speaking for NSW), you only get screened at YSCB and YBNA. The rest is open slather. That's because a potential "terrorist" wouldn't travel from any NSW regional port.
And I write this with tongue firmly planted-in-cheek.
STEEL doors? As if the airlines are going to pay such a weight penalty, when there are alloys available that are far more stronger and lighter than steel.
The media are a bunch of fools.......
[ 04 November 2001: Message edited by: Hugh Jarse ]
However, these procedures are only as good as the screening at the outports. At the moment (speaking for NSW), you only get screened at YSCB and YBNA. The rest is open slather. That's because a potential "terrorist" wouldn't travel from any NSW regional port.
And I write this with tongue firmly planted-in-cheek.
STEEL doors? As if the airlines are going to pay such a weight penalty, when there are alloys available that are far more stronger and lighter than steel.
The media are a bunch of fools.......
[ 04 November 2001: Message edited by: Hugh Jarse ]
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Can anyone enlighten me please, as to when a terrorist/hijacker gained entry to the cockpit by force?
As is common knowledge, the terrorists of Sept 11 held flying licences, and there is a theory that in at least one of the four aircraft that were crashed one of the hijackers was ALREADY in the cockpit - probably the jump seat - having used the "I'm a pilot" and showing his licence to gain access, probably prior to take-off.
In other instances, cabin crew or pax have been held with a "weapon" to their eye/temple/throat, to force the cockpit crew to open the door.
You can put up a steel re-inforced, brick door with multiple combination locks, but that still doesn't stop the hijackers from gaining access the way they have before.
Sky marshalls seem the only real answer, apart from having a locking cockpit door, the locks of which can only be opened on the ground, by way of the air-ground switch.
As is common knowledge, the terrorists of Sept 11 held flying licences, and there is a theory that in at least one of the four aircraft that were crashed one of the hijackers was ALREADY in the cockpit - probably the jump seat - having used the "I'm a pilot" and showing his licence to gain access, probably prior to take-off.
In other instances, cabin crew or pax have been held with a "weapon" to their eye/temple/throat, to force the cockpit crew to open the door.
You can put up a steel re-inforced, brick door with multiple combination locks, but that still doesn't stop the hijackers from gaining access the way they have before.
Sky marshalls seem the only real answer, apart from having a locking cockpit door, the locks of which can only be opened on the ground, by way of the air-ground switch.
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I haven't heard that one Kaptain M but as I recall a person or pilot in particular was not allowed in the jumpseat unless they were with a part 121 or 135 carrier which would require some sort of associated ID. Still stranger things have happehed.
Hugh Jarse perhaps someone needs to have tea and bikkies with the NJS Chief Pilot. They were very blasay about the whole thing at a recent company meeting.
Hugh Jarse perhaps someone needs to have tea and bikkies with the NJS Chief Pilot. They were very blasay about the whole thing at a recent company meeting.
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Balpa say that on the ocassion that the doors are locked, three pilots must be on the flight deck to cover the obvious incapacitation scenario and a locked door.
Does this mean QF will heavy crew all flights? Even those that do not require SOs? Could be good for recruitment!
Otherwise, what proceedures have they put in place to cover this situation, and any others you care to mention that require "Face to Face" interaction between Tech and Cabin crew????
PS. Can anyone recommend a thermos that keeps coffee hot for 14hrs???
Does this mean QF will heavy crew all flights? Even those that do not require SOs? Could be good for recruitment!
Otherwise, what proceedures have they put in place to cover this situation, and any others you care to mention that require "Face to Face" interaction between Tech and Cabin crew????
PS. Can anyone recommend a thermos that keeps coffee hot for 14hrs???
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Why is it that we allow them on in the first place? Why is it quicker to get through customs boarding a flight than it is disembarking at the other end? And forgive me for asking, but is it easier to deal with security issues on the ground or in the air? It has already been proven by ex FAA staff that there are serious deficencies in airport security, has the reality of a movie namely "AIR FORCE ONE", actually hit home! But like all buisness these day's, (in the private and public sector), saving money for large profit returns at the end of each quarter for Key personell, Shareholders and the like, there is not much margin to allow for, security personell and for improving Australian Airport Security in general. TAATS is wonderful, but have a look at how many aircraft are sitting on the ground in the states at the present time, lets subsidise a security firm, not another airline that can't make ends meet.
To the families of the crews of the September 11 Disaster, they will be remembered. And the tight nit family of Aviation Professionals will move to protect the safety of future generations.
To the families of the crews of the September 11 Disaster, they will be remembered. And the tight nit family of Aviation Professionals will move to protect the safety of future generations.
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Sky marshals are the answer.
I have a cunning plan that will add sky marshalls at no cost to anyone.
Just multi skill LAME's. Give us a Glock and put us back in the planes. Then you have a sky marshal and a flying spanner.
Engineers are perfectly qualified for this dual role as we are experienced in close quarters combat from stabbing each other in the back for so many years
I have a cunning plan that will add sky marshalls at no cost to anyone.
Just multi skill LAME's. Give us a Glock and put us back in the planes. Then you have a sky marshal and a flying spanner.
Engineers are perfectly qualified for this dual role as we are experienced in close quarters combat from stabbing each other in the back for so many years
Ah, thats what we need, armed and often cranky engineers....especially when one un-named baggage handler unplugs their electric sissor lift without asking first............but I wouldn't know anything about that eh Prunehead
