TSA Security Directive SD-1544-09-06
Dec 28, 2009, 2:38 am
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2002
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TSA Security Directive SD-1544-09-06
Apologies if this has been posted (and mods, please delete if it has). I haven't seen the full text in the recent threads so I thought I'd post this after finding it online...
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009
EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.
INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.
APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).
ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.
1. BOARDING GATE
1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.
1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.
2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:
1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)
3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:
1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).
2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).
2. IN FLIGHT
1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:
1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.
FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.
Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator
======
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009
EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.
INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.
APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).
ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.
1. BOARDING GATE
1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.
1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.
2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:
1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)
3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:
1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).
2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).
2. IN FLIGHT
1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:
1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.
FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.
Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator
Dec 28, 2009, 3:08 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 250
Oh this is rich. I can see it now. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN MODERN DAY KIDS WHO WILL SIT QUIETLY FOR AN HOUR WITHOUT ANYTHING TO OCCUPY THEM??
This takes away the "dolly" from the 5 year old girl, the teddy bear from the two year old, the game boy from the 7 year old boy, the "blankie" from the three year old. Aircraft cabins are going to become howling hell holes of absolutely pandemonium and misery for EVERYONE. We will have the bawling BIG and little girls who pee their pants cause "mommy won't take me to the potty", we can look forward to Grown men, IMPORTANT, wealthy AND INFLUENTIAL MEN who haven't soiled themselves since infancy disrespected, dishonored, and disgraced, forced to wet/soil themselves in public.
What part of this humiliation of Americans can we chalk up to terrorism and what part can we, in reality acknowledge is paranoia and COWARDICE that causes "us" (meaning our own "authorities") to humiliate their OWN people? Should we permit our own leaders to serve our enemies and across the board, do to us ALL what our enemies cannot themselves do but wish to accomplish? WHY?
What part of this knee jerk reactionary mania conforms to the "DON'T LET THE TERRORISTS WIN, DON'T LET THEM CHANGE AMERICA OR US" PHILOSOPHY??
This takes away the "dolly" from the 5 year old girl, the teddy bear from the two year old, the game boy from the 7 year old boy, the "blankie" from the three year old. Aircraft cabins are going to become howling hell holes of absolutely pandemonium and misery for EVERYONE. We will have the bawling BIG and little girls who pee their pants cause "mommy won't take me to the potty", we can look forward to Grown men, IMPORTANT, wealthy AND INFLUENTIAL MEN who haven't soiled themselves since infancy disrespected, dishonored, and disgraced, forced to wet/soil themselves in public.
What part of this humiliation of Americans can we chalk up to terrorism and what part can we, in reality acknowledge is paranoia and COWARDICE that causes "us" (meaning our own "authorities") to humiliate their OWN people? Should we permit our own leaders to serve our enemies and across the board, do to us ALL what our enemies cannot themselves do but wish to accomplish? WHY?
What part of this knee jerk reactionary mania conforms to the "DON'T LET THE TERRORISTS WIN, DON'T LET THEM CHANGE AMERICA OR US" PHILOSOPHY??
Dec 28, 2009, 3:39 am
#4
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Roses, Costa Brava, Spain
Programs: Seniors Bus Pass, lots of old plastic claiming to be precious metal
Posts: 512
It could be interesting if the next Nigerian nut-case with a US visa & explosive Y-fronts actually lands in the US and then proceeds to try to blow himself up on a domestic flight. (Same thing would also apply in the case of a domestic nut-case.) If the TSA tried to implement similar rules on all flights in the US, the protests would be heard loud & long.
Dec 28, 2009, 3:43 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LHR/SEA/YVR
Programs: BAEC G/*O E
Posts: 919
It could be interesting if the next Nigerian nut-case with a US visa & explosive Y-fronts actually lands in the US and then proceeds to try to blow himself up on a domestic flight. (Same thing would also apply in the case of a domestic nut-case.) If the TSA tried to implement similar rules on all flights in the US, the protests would be heard loud & long.
Dec 28, 2009, 4:13 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Platinum, hhonors Gold
Posts: 3,421
Although given that this is all security theatre it is hardly relevant.
Dec 28, 2009, 4:21 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 195
Why don't they just refuse to allow any non US passport or Green Card carrying citizen to board a US bound flight unless they have passed extensive El Al style screening. It's not a right to board a plane, it's a privilege to enter a country's borders. If they don't make the cut they can hang in London or wherever else they're training fundamentalists. Why do we keep letting in these damn nut jobs? Don't let them on the plane! That simple. No one will miss these people making their way to the USA.
Dec 28, 2009, 4:33 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Laguna Beach CA
Programs: AA EXP/4MM UA 1MM, HY Global, Bon Lft Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 720
The real assumption is that the sheeple will go long with anything proposed by the Terrifed State of America to keep us safe.
As usual, those in charge of providing safety and security have mindlessly acted to further erode the right of movement without providing either.
Flights might be more secure if seats had passenger leg irons and bed pans, but we probably shouldn't be providing the TSA with ideas.
As usual, those in charge of providing safety and security have mindlessly acted to further erode the right of movement without providing either.
Flights might be more secure if seats had passenger leg irons and bed pans, but we probably shouldn't be providing the TSA with ideas.
Dec 28, 2009, 4:46 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LHR/SEA/YVR
Programs: BAEC G/*O E
Posts: 919
Another good thing would be to make all foreigners wear yellow six pronged stars on their clothing at all times, huh?
Dec 28, 2009, 4:50 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,785
Why don't they just refuse to allow any non US passport or Green Card carrying citizen to board a US bound flight unless they have passed extensive El Al style screening. It's not a right to board a plane, it's a privilege to enter a country's borders. If they don't make the cut they can hang in London or wherever else they're training fundamentalists. Why do we keep letting in these damn nut jobs? Don't let them on the plane! That simple. No one will miss these people making their way to the USA.
In 2008, a mere 50.5 million "foreigners" (half from Canada/Mexico, the other half from "overseas") visited the US. Why not subject more than 50 million people to an interrogation in the hopes of catching one or two "nut jobs"? The airlines won't mind if millions of honest people cancel their trips to the USA, since they're in such good economic shape right now. Those 50 million "foreigners" stayed in hotels, they rented cars, they ate in restaurants, they bought stuff. $110 Billion worth (pdf warning). But I guess the US economy is so damn strong that it can do without that, too.
Dec 28, 2009, 4:58 am
#11
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
2. During the boarding process, the air carrier MAY exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD
Dec 28, 2009, 5:00 am
#12
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
Sure. In 2008, a mere 50.5 million "foreigners" (half from Canada/Mexico, the other half from "overseas") visited the US. Why not subject more than 50 million people to an interrogation in the hopes of catching one or two "nut jobs"? The airlines won't mind if millions of honest people cancel their trips to the USA, since they're in such good economic shape right now.
Those 50 million "foreigners" stayed in hotels, they rented cars, they ate in restaurants, they bought stuff. $110 Billion worth (pdf warning). But I guess the US economy is so damn strong that it can do without that, too.
In 2008, a mere 50.5 million "foreigners" (half from Canada/Mexico, the other half from "overseas") visited the US. Why not subject more than 50 million people to an interrogation in the hopes of catching one or two "nut jobs"? The airlines won't mind if millions of honest people cancel their trips to the USA, since they're in such good economic shape right now. Those 50 million "foreigners" stayed in hotels, they rented cars, they ate in restaurants, they bought stuff. $110 Billion worth (pdf warning). But I guess the US economy is so damn strong that it can do without that, too.
Dec 28, 2009, 5:01 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: New Zealand/ UK
Programs: NZ, EK, QF, SQ.
Posts: 776
Why don't they just refuse to allow any non US passport or Green Card carrying citizen to board a US bound flight unless they have passed extensive El Al style screening. It's not a right to board a plane, it's a privilege to enter a country's borders. If they don't make the cut they can hang in London or wherever else they're training fundamentalists. Why do we keep letting in these damn nut jobs? Don't let them on the plane! That simple. No one will miss these people making their way to the USA.
I don't beieve that London is the seat of fundamentalist training. And FYI London has also suffered from terrorism, and for many more years than the US.
Your xenophobia is showing!
Dec 28, 2009, 5:03 am
#14
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
The evidence strongly suggests that different parts of the US government don't talk to other parts of the US government so someone who is "of interest" is allowed to get a visa because those who know he is "of interest" don't talk to those people who issue visas
Dec 28, 2009, 5:04 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stockholm
Programs: Various
Posts: 3,369
Yeah, and it doesn't stop there. I'm sure Secretary Napolitano will record a video of her way through security for all to see how it's supposed to be done. Could be funny if the Israelis "mistreated" some of her staff or her...