Basic AVSEC cheat sheet

ICAO Annex 17 defines aviation security as safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.

The security continuum includes airport, aircraft, air traffic control, and navigational aids.

Aviation security aims to protect passengers, crew, ground personnel, and the public.

Security is a shared responsibility among states, operators, and international organizations.

The threat level is assessed by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Security measures must be proportionate to the threat and not hinder operations unnecessarily.

International cooperation is essential due to the global nature of aviation.

The cost of security is borne by states and industry stakeholders.

Chicago Convention (1944) established ICAO and the principle of state sovereignty over airspace.

Tokyo Convention (1963) addresses offenses committed on board aircraft.

Hague Convention (1970) deals with unlawful seizure of aircraft.

Montreal Convention (1971) covers acts of violence at airports and against civil aviation.

Montreal Protocol (1988) extends to airport violence and complements the 1971 Convention.

Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention contains international standards for aviation security.

States must implement security measures in their territories and ensure compliance by operators.

The Beijing Convention (2010) and Protocol address new and emerging threats.

Threats include terrorism, sabotage, hijacking, and attacks on airports.

Risk management involves threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, and consequence evaluation.

The risk formula: Risk = Threat × Vulnerability × Consequence.

Mitigation measures reduce vulnerability or consequence, not the threat itself.

Security risk assessments are conducted regularly and updated with intelligence.

Insider threats are a significant risk and require personnel security measures.

Cyber threats to aviation systems are increasingly recognized.

Risk acceptance is a decision made by appropriate authorities based on residual risk.

The airport security plan outlines measures, responsibilities, and coordination.

Access control prevents unauthorized entry to restricted areas.

Identification systems (badges) and biometrics are used for access control.

The airport security committee coordinates security among stakeholders.

Security zones are defined: landside, airside, and restricted areas.

Perimeter security includes fencing, patrols, and surveillance.

Screening of persons and vehicles entering restricted areas is required.

Contingency planning includes responses to breaches and incidents.

Passenger screening includes walk-through metal detectors and body scanners.

Cabin baggage is screened by X-ray machines; prohibited items are removed.

Hold baggage is screened by explosive detection systems (EDS) or X-ray.

Screening must be conducted by trained and certified personnel.

Random and continuous screening are used to deter and detect threats.

Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) are subject to restrictions.

Screening equipment must be regularly tested and maintained.

Passengers may be subject to pat-down searches if anomalies are detected.

Cargo screening methods include X-ray, explosive detection, and physical inspection.

Known consignor and regulated agent programs ensure cargo security.

Mail and courier items are screened similarly to cargo.

Catering supplies and stores must be screened or sourced from secure suppliers.

Access to cargo areas is restricted and controlled.

Chain of custody is maintained for secure cargo.

Random inspections and tamper-evident seals are used.

Cargo security training is required for personnel handling cargo.

Aircraft search is conducted before departure to detect prohibited items.

Cockpit door must be reinforced and locked during flight.

In-flight security includes crew training and passenger behavior monitoring.

Air marshals may be deployed on high-risk flights.

Access to the aircraft is controlled and unauthorized persons are denied.

Security seals on aircraft doors indicate tampering.

Crew must report suspicious activities or items to the captain.

Aircraft security checklists are used for pre-flight inspections.

Unlawful interference includes hijacking, sabotage, and attacks.

Contingency plans must be tested through exercises and drills.

Incident command system (ICS) is used for coordinated response.

Communication protocols with law enforcement and emergency services are established.

Evacuation and lockdown procedures are part of contingency plans.

Post-incident recovery includes investigation and psychological support.

The airport emergency plan (AEP) covers both safety and security incidents.

Lessons learned from exercises and incidents are incorporated into plans.

Security culture is the shared values and behaviors towards security.

Human factors include fatigue, stress, and motivation affecting performance.

Quality control ensures security measures are implemented effectively.

Audits, inspections, and tests are quality control tools.

Security awareness training is essential for all staff.

Reporting systems encourage employees to report security concerns.

Just culture encourages reporting without fear of punishment for honest errors.

Performance indicators measure the effectiveness of security measures.