Airports test expedited pilot screening
06 July, 2011
category: Biometrics, Government
O’Hare International and Miami International airports are the first test sites for the KnownCrew program, a new security screening procedure that expedites pilot screening at airport security checkpoints.
As reported in the Minneapolis StarTribune, KnownCrew verifies pilots through photos and real-time airline employment data. It enables pilots to get through TSA checkpoints without going through full-body scanners or pat-downs.
Security experts are concerned that KnownCrew isn’t stringent enough with its verification factors, leaving the door open for terrorists to exploit the system.
Earlier versions of KnownCrew utilized biometric verification, such as fingerprint and iris scans. These options were aborted, with cost given as one of the factors.
Other hub airports also plan to take part in the test in the near future, and an expediting screening option for flight attendants is in the works.
Read more here.