There is an old adage that the traffic light doesn't go up on the corner until someone is killed. We have a potential tragedy waiting to happen at our airports.
Despite denials and stonewalling by the Federal Aviation Administration, it is increasingly clear that security at American airports is woefully inadequate. A 1996 FAA report of violations by just one major U.S. airline--released recently, two years after a Freedom of Information request by the New York Times--indicated that undercover agents had smuggled guns, hand grenades and even bombs through scanning machines and past airline security guards. In releasing the information, an FAA administrator pointed out that airlines pass most of the 10,000 tests conducted by the agency each year but said that violations similar to those summarized in the report still occur.
Here in Los Angeles, LAX was closed as recently as last year because individuals with weapons entered into passenger terminals undetected.
Our airports are increasingly viewed as likely targets for highly visible, politically inspired violence. Yet, despite shocking revelations and expert testimony and even contrary to common sense, too little progress has been made to improve airport security in the United States.
After the crash of TWA Flight 800 in the summer of 1996, a blue-ribbon panel was established by the White House to accelerate improvement of the nation's air traffic control system and aviation security. Little has been accomplished since its report was issued in February 1997.
The just-released FAA reports reveal that dangerous airline violations of established security procedures are being punished by modest fines and secret "slaps on the wrist." The government justifies concealing results from the public ostensibly to prevent giving away information that might help terrorists.
It should not take years for the federal government to implement an action plan to make airports and aviation safer.
First, airports must change their baggage screening process. Sophisticated machines exist that can detect explosives. But so far, such machines are utilized only on an experimental basis in a handful of airports around the world. The FAA has been derelict in not compelling airport authorities to buy more and better detection equipment.
Also, airports need better trained security personnel. Most security workers currently are paid minimum wage. It should be no surprise that the turnover rate is as high as 500% a year.
