TSA moving forward with biometric flight crew screening
10 August, 2009
category: Biometrics, Corporate, Government
The Transportation Security Administration has taken the necessary steps towards fully implementing a biometric screening system for flight crews moving through security checkpoints by approving the standards for the system, according to an Information Week article. The new program is expected to replace the current system, which sees airline employees waiting in the same lines as passengers at security checkpoints.
The system, called Crew Personal Advanced Screening System or CrewPASS, will enable airline employees to be screened in a separate area and will have their identity and employment status authenticated via biometric credentials, an airline issued ID and a separate ID.
The TSA has been moving towards a creation of such a system since a law was passed regarding the need for such a system in the air travel industry. There are three pilots for CrewPASS going on at three different airports in the U.S. right now. If the pilots prove successful, the TSA is expected to continue moving forward with the program to fall in accordance with the law set out by the 9/11 Commission.
Read the full story here.