Aviation Security System and Its Vulnerabilities

Even though FAA has increased security procedures as the threat has increased, the domestic and international aviation system continues to have numerous vulnerabilities. Nearly every major aspect of the system—ranging from the screening of passengers, checked and carry-on baggage, mail, and cargo as well as access to secured areas within airports and aircraft—has weaknesses that terrorists could exploit. In response to the Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990, FAA accelerated its efforts to develop explosives detection technology. Since fiscal year 1991, FAA has invested over $150 million in developing technologies specifically designed to detect concealed explosives. The Gore Commission recommends that $161 million in federal funds be used to deploy some of these devices. Devices Are Available to Address Some of the System’s Vulnerabilities, and FAA Has Developed Some Cost Estimates

A number of explosives detection devices are currently available or under development to determine whether explosives are present in checked and carry-on baggage or on passengers, but they are costly. These devices may be available within 2 years. In June 1996, the National Research Council, for example, reported that there may be a number of health, legal, operational, privacy, and convenience concerns about passenger-screening devices. Blast-Resistant Containers

To reduce the effects of an in-flight explosion, FAA is conducting research on blast-resistant containers, which might reduce the number of expensive explosives detection systems needed. The Gore Commission has recommended expanded use of bomb-sniffing dogs, profiling passengers to identify those needing additional attention, and matching passengers with their bags. In addition, who will be responsible in the long term for paying for new security initiatives has not been addressed.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO discussed federal efforts to protect civil aviation from terrorist acts.

What GAO Found

GAO noted that: (1) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has increased aviation security procedures, but domestic and international aviation remain seriously vulnerable because nearly every major aspect of the aviation security system has weaknesses that terrorists could exploit; (2) since fiscal year 1991, FAA has invested over $153 million to develop explosives detection devices and a number of these devices are commercially available for checked and carry-on baggage, but all of these devices have some limitations; (3) there are also passenger-screening devices, but health, legal, operational, privacy and convenience concerns have been raised about these devices; (4) FAA is conducting research on blast-resistant cargo containers that could reduce the need for explosives detection devices; (5) the Presidential Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism has recommended government purchase of some detectors for airport use, using bomb-sniffing dogs, matching passengers with their baggage, and profiling passengers; (6) Congress, the Administration, and the aviation industry need to agree and take action on the steps needed to counter terrorist threats and who will be responsible for funding new security initiatives; and (7) the government has three initiatives underway to address aviation security improvements.