Beginning in August 1989, each of these airports had to develop an access control system plan for FAA field security officials to review and approve. Access control systems are eligible for AIP funds. Costs for Access Control Systems Greatly Exceed FAA’s Initial Estimate

Airports have installed various systems—mostly computer-controlled—to meet FAA’s four access control requirements. Airports have installed different types of equipment. FAA Could Help Ensure That Systems Are Modernized in a Cost-Effective Manner

Over the next several years, many access control systems will need to be modernized. The November 1993 survey by the Airport Consultants Council found that 21 major airports incurred costs to replace or significantly modify systems that did not operate adequately to meet FAA’s requirements. FAA and the industry have initiatives under way that provide a basis for helping to ensure that access control systems are cost-effective. FAA officials can use the detailed guidance and standards as criteria to evaluate AIP funding requests and help ensure that these funds are used only for the system components needed to meet access control requirements. A recorded menu will provide information on how to obtain these lists.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) access control systems, focusing on the: (1) cost of FAA access control systems; and (2) actions FAA could take to ensure that access control systems are cost-effective in the future.

What GAO Found

GAO found that: (1) FAA greatly underestimated the costs of its access control systems, due to the installation of more expensive equipment; (2) in many airports, FAA approved the installation of equipment in areas that did not need to be secured; (3) 21 major airports had to replace or significantly modify access control systems that did not meet FAA requirements; (4) FAA officials have been unable to ensure that Airport Improvement Program funds have been used only for those system components necessary to meet FAA access control requirements; and (5) FAA could help ensure that access control systems are cost-effective by providing detailed guidance on how systems should function to meet access control requirements.