Module 4: Aviation Security: Explosive Devices

Aviation Security: Explosive Devices

Explosive devices and threats always pose a threat to the aviation world. An explosive device, by definition, is a device that bursts with an abrupt violence from an internal combustion. Most devices are homemade by someone with ill intent and the goal of hurting people or a political aim.

There are security procedures put in place to prevent explosive devices from entering an airport, along with many other measures. The most common are x-ray machines metal detectors. Since human profiling will never be 100% accurate, these machines are designed to help the operators identify what they are not able to see with the naked eye. (Merari, 2007)  Along with machines, there are procedures that must be followed to help ensure safety. From personal experience, my flight was delayed due to a bag being left on board from the previous flight. Due to a random bag being left on the plane, security assumed for the worst scenario and presumed it was an explosive device. Hours later, it was just an accident from one of the passengers from the previous flight.

The most common issue with the security measures put in place is the experience of the operators the perform the security checks with the equipment that they are given. (Michel, et al., 2007)  Many of them lack the proper experience needed to make the detection devices perform at their maximum capabilities. My recommendation would be that TSA take the time and funds necessary to properly train their employees. This would maximize efficiency when operating security equipment.

- Marquise Cunningham

References

Merari, A. (2007). Attacks on civil aviation: Trends and lessons. Terrorism and Political Violence, 9-26. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09546559808427466?casa_token=2Gu8WM-a_scAAAAA%3AFJEaYA4y5AJAXHvDvRdaTuOAjKoiHgnPaW0HWaDcqWjl50PsI7COiixCfOhtj6nUzE4AjW_yBZmIe3U&

Michel, S., Koller, S. M., de Ruiter, J. C., Moerland, R., Hogervorst, M., & Schwaninger, A. (2007). Computer-Based Training Increases Efficiency in X-Ray Image Interpretation by Aviation Security Screeners. Ottawa: IEEE.