Aviation Insecurity

The events of September 11 compelled the American public to look at air travel as much more than merely another way of getting from point A to point B. An industry that was previously viewed as a routine component of modern transport is now seen as both a vital national asset and a vulnerable security risk. In this probing critique of aviation security since 9/11, Andrew R. Thomas, a globally recognized aviation security expert, examines the recent overhaul of the national aviation security system.
Despite the complete federal takeover of aviation security in November 2001, Thomas notes many continuing problems, including: millions of passenger bags that are still not screened or matched; the unresolved problem of air rage and unruly passenger behavior; the "forgotten chasm" of air cargo, which remains largely unchecked due to inadequate resources; and lax standards, the hiring of high-risk employees, and the failure to secure critical areas in many of our nation's airports.
Thomas also considers many of the proposed solutions to these vulnerabilities: biometrics, profiling, air marshals, bomb-detection devices, and smart technology that links reservations systems to private and government databases. How practical are these proposals? Will they work? What will they cost? How much time will be needed to implement any or all of them? In light of the restructuring of airline security, what new roles will be played by the airline industry, government, airports, and the Transportation Security Administration? Thomas's thorough analysis and command of all the facts create an enlightening overview of the airline security dilemma and its numerous formidable challenges.
Finally, he considers the future, outlining a strategic approach for government and industry to meet new and existing threats while continuing to serve the public in an efficient manner.

In this critique of the security measures taken after September 11th, Thomas, an aviation security analyst, considers proposed solutions to the vulnerability of airlines in terms of practicality, cost, and effectiveness, and outlines a better strategic approach for government and the aviation industry to meet new and existing threats. (Librarians note: CiP erroneously shows the author as Tom Reichert.) Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Andrew R. Thomas (Brecksville, OH), coauthor of Air Rage: Crisis in the Skies, is a global business expert, aviation security analyst, and author. He is a frequent contributor to the Fox News Channel and has appeared on more than 150 television and radio programs across the country, including The O'Reilly Factor, On the Record with Greta van Susteren, and Court TV. He currently serves on the graduate faculties of Cleveland State University and Myers University.