Aviation Security: Immediate Action Needed to Improve Security

00728408https://doi.org/10.21949/14034281996PDFResearch PaperGAO/T-RCED/NSIAD-96-237Passenger securityCivil aviationAirlinesAirportsNational securityExplosivesFinancingImprovementsTerrorismSafety equipmentExplosives detectionFederal Aviation AdministrationInternational cooperationSecurity systemsVulnerabilityFultz, Keith O.United States. General Accounting Office. RCEDNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessUS Transportation CollectionThis is the statement of Keith O. Fultz, Assistant Comptroller General, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, General Accounting Office (GAO), before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate, on the threat to aviation and what can be done to increase aviation security. The testimony covers (1) the threat to aviation from terrorist attacks; (2) the roles of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airlines, and airports in providing aviation security and the vulnerabilities in the existing security system; and (3) the availability of explosives detection technology and other methods used to address the threat. It is emphasized that the Congress, the administration--including FAA and the intelligence community, among others--and the aviation industry need to agree on methods of improving and financing security procedures. It is also pointed out that, to the extent necessary, the international aviation community should be involved.84