"Planes, airports open to terror, pilots say"

Thursday, September 18, 2003 

Planes, airports open to terror, pilots say
By PETER URBAN
The Connecticut Post


WASHINGTON - Nearly two years after federal officials vowed to close gaps in
airline security, the nation's airports and planes remain perilously
susceptible to terrorist threats, airline pilots said Wednesday.

The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations' security report card gives
failing grades for cargo screening and security credentialing.

"We want to make sure security is done right and is not just a Hollywood
show," said Leon Laylagian, a cargo pilot and coalition representative.

Currently, federal agents screen passenger baggage but not cargo a breach in
security that terrorists could exploit by placing a bomb or even themselves
onto a cargo plane, the pilots say.  

"We need one level of security for all of America's airlines because
terrorists could care less if they use a cargo or passenger airplane as a
weapon," said Jon Safley, president of the coalition, which represents
pilots for American Airlines, Airborne Express, Southwest Airlines, United
Parcel Service and AirTran.

Laylagian said terrorists could find it easier to hijack a cargo plane since
there are no passengers or air marshals to interfere.

The pilot's coalition also gave perimeter security a grade of D, saying
there is too much inconsistency between airports. Passenger baggage
screening received a B because screening equipment does not necessarily
detect all types of explosives. And, passenger screening received a C
because full-body scans are not used.

"Those who fly are very vulnerable and that is just not acceptable," said
Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4. "If the pilots are concerned, that tells you a
lot. This is a for-real problem."

Shays said he was not surprised by the poor grades the pilots gave aviation
security.

Aside from cargo screening, Shays said he is concerned airports remain too
porous. Airline crews are not being issued forgery-proof credentials and
airport perimeters can be easily penetrated.

"It's pretty shocking stuff," Shays said.

Shays has teamed with Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., a fellow member of the House
Homeland Security Committee, to seek legislation mandating the screening of
all cargo loaded on passenger planes.


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