Aircraft maintenance is one of the industry’s weakest security points, and revised European Union security regulations as now drafted will not change this, according to UK-based consultant Jon Cousens. Regulators do not appear to take account of the fact that much heavy maintenance does not happen at major operating airports, but at aerodromes that exist mainly to serve specialist engineering sites, writes David Learmount.
Speaking about “hangar security” at last week’s security-focused Safety of Flight Conference at Windsor, UK, Cousens says that insecure heavy maintenance bases provide opportunities for terrorists to carry out equipment sabotage, plant weapons for later use, or position explosives. Many of the mechanics are effectively self-employed, working on contracts either directly or via agencies, he says.
Particularly because of the shortage of qualified technicians and the lack of security regulation or guidance in this industry sector, he says, it would be easy for terrorist organisations to position technicians.
At present, warns Cousens, there is no requirement for a register of independent contractors, nor official recognition of industry efforts to set one up. Specialist maintenance bases away from commercial airports are not subject to the same requirements for employee background checks and secure area disciplines as major airports, Cousens points out.
At present an aviation security regulatory upgrade is being prepared by the European Commission for the European Parliament and the Council.
Source: Flight International
