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The regulations the Federal Aviation Administration established seemed to be indestructible, but after the September 11 attacks they realized they needed to make some changes within the system. The FAA is currently in the process of making necessary changes to reinforce cockpit doors, strengthen the security in the airports, and also develop a new form of screening known as Biometrics.

The FAA published new guidelines to protect cockpits from intrusion by way of small firearms and fragmentation devices such as homemade bombs and grenades. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act authorizes the FAA to issue a final rule, which requires the operators of more then 6,000 airplanes to have reinforced doors installed by April 9, 2003. They also set new design and performance standards for all cargo airplanes that have cockpit doors. The rule states that the cockpit doors must be designed to withstand physical force. They are to remain locked and crewmembers not assigned to the cockpit are prohibited the possession of keys to the area. [i] The strengthening of cockpit doors is a regulation that needed to be changed. This was obvious after the attacks on September 11.

Since the terrorist attacks the FAA issued information to help air travelers accommodate and assist in the heightened security measures that have put into effect. Travelers will be limited to one carry-on bag on all flights. They also recommend people to allow more time for check-in due to the fact that the more intense security checks require more time to properly screen travelers. The FAA also states that a more sufficient way of getting to the airport is by taking public transportation. The reason for this is because parking and curbside access is controlled.[ii] Prior to the terrorist attacks on September 11 taking public transportation was not a necessity because there was always plenty of parking and curbside check-ins were a regular thing. However, since then the strengthened security has caused many headaches for air travelers, but I would much rather have a headache and deal with the inconveniences then get on a plane and take the chance of have it being hijacked. The updated regulation will help deter such things from happening.

The check-in policy is that a government issued identification must be presented upon request. Another policy, which is a bit unnecessary, is that E-ticket travelers need to check with the airline to make sure they have proper documentation. For example, a written confirmation such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation.[iii] This rule could become annoying because it will be slowing travelers down more. The reason for using E-ticket is to save time, and the fact that you will need to show a written confirmation will hinder the normally accelerated process.

A necessary restriction that was implemented is that only ticketed passengers are permitted to go through the screener checkpoints. An exception to this policy is made for those with specific medical or parental needs.[iv]

In the not so distant future airport security might start the minute a traveler purchases a ticket. Experts say a battery of detection will never be able to remove the entire risk of terrorism. Screening devices musty be supported by guards who are able to detect unusual behavior and have the ability to run the equipment. Flight day precautions will include a series of facial scans, palm prints, explosive chemical snifters, and advanced x-ray machines.[v] Although these steps to security may seem a little intense, the thing as citizens that needs to stay in the back of our heads is that this is all being done for our safety.

Another unique way to improve security is with the use of biometric imaging, which is a computer tracking of physical features such as palm prints, finger prints, and eye structure. The data is capable of being compared to databases on criminal suspects. However, the only way for success is if the airport systems are linked to up to date law-enforcement databases. Had biometric scanning been in use on September 11 the hijackers would have raised warning signs before boarding their designated flights. Due to the fact that it was not in effect, law-enforcement officials and policy makers have been trying desperately to close potential loopholes, and in result high-tech approaches have received heightened attention. The International Air Transport Association launched a program to encourage the use of biometric systems for faster and more secure airports. The senate by a100-0 vote passed the Aviation Security Act. It included an Amendment that would require the FAA to set up a post that looks over research and development for security technologies. This act was extremely necessary because it was the only way that the research would get done. Aviation officials have long realized the potential these types of technologies hold for improving security. Biometric approaches are not the only ones planners have an eye on. Some improvements may come from a change in the airport design. For example, build a structure several blocks from the airport that passengers would use to check luggage and clear security. Buses would take the travelers to the main terminal. This is a very poor idea, simply because there will always be people in one of the buildings so no matter what, an attack would be injuring lives even if there was a different place to unload the luggage.

The best way to prevent another attack is by screening. Screening needs to be done faster and much more efficient. In order for this to be achieved it will require some surrender of privacy and some erosion of civil rights. An infringement of this nature traditionally requires a compelling national interest to qualify, which the September 11 attacks do.

The FAA has set some strict standards since the horrific attacks on September 11. Some of the new rules will definitely help rejuvenate the desire to fly, because of the safety regulations that have been added. However, a few of the rules will become more of a nuisance then anything else and just cause a large amount of chaos in airports across the nation.

1. What is the only way to prevent hijackers from gaining control of an airplane according to the unknown author?

The only way to prevent hijackers from gaining control of an airplane is to strengthen the cockpit.

2. What are the arguments given by lobbyist for the Bells in favor of HR 1542 and arguments given by their opponents against this legislation?

It argues that its members need regulatory relief to compete with cable television companies and other high-speed Internet providers. They contend that the Tauzin-Dingell bill would give the Bells a stranglehold on high-speed Internet service and delay the development of next-generation Web technology.

3. Why does small business groups like HR1831? From the small amount of information presented in your required reading, do you think the legislation is a good idea? Why?

They like it because it gives more power to the little businesses, rather then the large businesses having too much power and money.

4. Give an argument in favor of government regulation activities such as rollerblading and bungee jumping?

The reason the government places regulations on these types of activities is because they are very dangerous. You can fall and hit your head when you are rollerblading and there is a risk of breaking your neck when you go bungee jumping. These are just a few of the risks you take when doing these extreme activities. The government is just trying to keep everyone safe, yet they are interfering with the things that people enjoy.

A burden hour is supposed to measure the time it takes to collect data and fill out federal forms, surveys, and reports

6. Why was Connecticut Senator, Joseph Lieberman, concerned enough to vote against the nomination of Professor John Graham as administrator of the office of Information and regulatory Affairs in the current Bush administration?

He questioned the way Graham gauged proposed solutions. Instead of estimating the number of lives that would be saved by a regulation, Graham tries to determine how many years of life would be saved. Critics say that he dismisses problems that might not arise for decades and solutions that might add a few high-quality years to an individual’s life.

7. What was the makeup of the “iron triangle” during the Reagan and what do environmentalists and consumer activists foresee as its composition in the current Bush administration?

During Reagan’s presidency the iron triangle was made up of an unbreakable alliance among Democratic committee chairmen, agency officials, and interest groups that worked together achieve common goals. Environmentalists and consumers fear that a new triangle is forming containing industry officials, the White House, and GOP committee chairmen. This new coalition could bar environmentalists and consumers for having their desired influence.

8. Name 5 actions of the Bush administration that have drawn criticism from environmentalists.

a. Reversing a Clinton rule that would lower the legal amount of arsenic in drinking water.

b. Resigning on a campaign promise to regulate carbon dioxide and by rejecting the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.

d. His national energy plan that called for the drilling of public land and the easing of regular restrictions on energy producers.

e. Bush’s signaling of his intention to revise or reverse the Clinton regulations.

9. What did the executive order issued by Ronald Reagan in 1981 and still in effect today, require agencies to prove before new regulations were enacted? How did the Democratic House counter in 1986?

The executive order required agencies to prove that a regulations benefits would outweigh it’s costs. The 1986 Democratic House counter this measure by rescinding the OMB’s funding forcing a compromise and an easing of the rule making process

Licensing requirements can protect businesses’ profits and create a standard of acceptable service. At the same time it damages entrepreneurs preventing them from making their living.

Without some master plans or goals and planning departments society will slowly slip into chaos. Goals set priorities that help achieve stability. When there is an excess of plans and the master plan cannot be deviated from, a caste system is created. People become more dependent on regulations to survive and they stop thinking for themselves.

Christian Science Monitor. 1996: SIRS Knowledge Source. 13 June 1996 <http://sks7.sirs.com>.

"FAA Plans To Put Air Traffic Control on New Flight Path." Los Angeles Times 18 Sept. 1995: A1+. SIRS Knowledge Source. <http://sks7.sirs.com>.

"FAA Sets New Standards for Cockpit Doors." . SIRS Knowledge Source. 11 Jan. 2002 <http://sks7.sirs.com>.

[i] FAA Sets New Standards for Cockpit Doors, 11 January 2002

[ii] FAA Advises Air Travelers on Airport, Airline Security Measures, 8 October 2001

[iii] FAA Advises Air Travelers on Airport, Airline Security Measures, 8 October 2001

[iv] FAA Advises Air Travelers on Airport, Airline Security Measures, 8 October 2001

[v] Peter N. Spotts, At Future Airports, Scans Proliferate, 16 October 2001

[vi] Peter N. Spotts

[vii] Peter N. Spotts

[viii] Peter N. Spotts

[ix] Peter N. Spotts

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