ABSTRACT
The layered approach to aviation security that begins from the point of sale of an airline ticket extends beyond the passenger and baggage screening systems and includes several in-fl ight measures on board commercial passenger aircraft. Some of these measures, such as the specially trained FAMS and cockpit security barriers have been signifi cantly improved in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Other measures, such as the FFDO program, enhanced security training for fl ight and cabin crews, and the deployment of hardened cargo containers are new initiatives introduced since 9/11. Future measures to further improve aircraft survivability and provide hardened locations to contain explosives discovered in fl ight, and even systems to remotely guide a hijacked aircraft to a safe landing are some of the possible options for further enhancing in-fl ight airline security that are being considered by systems engineers, regulators, and policymakers. The evolving terror threat to aviation security is also focusing attention on ways to prevent or mitigate possible nonconventional attacks against aircraft in fl ight, including the dispersal of chemical or biological agents in the aircraft cabin.
