Delta Air Lines has begun flight testing transponder modifications and cabin video-surveillance as air transport industry task forces work to define long-term solutions to the aircraft security problems after the 11 September terrorist attack.
The Atlanta, Georgia-based carrier says it is the first to test a "comprehensive security solution", having installed the equipment on a Boeing MD-88 already modified with a cockpit door security bar. The transponder modification adds an auxiliary control panel which would be inaccessible to the hijacker. The objective is to assure continuous transmission of the hijack signal even if attempts are made to change the selected code or turn off the transponder.
The MD-88 also features Securaplane Technologies' certificated cabin alert and monitoring system (CAMS). This combines low-light cameras, "invisible" infrared light sources, a wireless crew-alert system and a cockpit-mounted video display with built-in controls.
Delta says a task force comprising US Air Transport Association member airlines, Airbus, Boeing and transponder manufacturers is considering short- and long-term design changes, with US fleet-wide retrofit on around 7,000 aircraft expected to cost $8-10 million and take 18-24 months.
Moves by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to enhance cockpit security with armour-plated doors and locks have been met with criticism from the British Airline Pilots Association(BALPA). It says pilots and regulatory bodies have not been consulted about the modifications, and questions the wisdom of having a lock which cannot be reached by pilots from their normal operating positions.Source: Flight International
