Aviation Security Technology
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Aviation Security Management course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Access control** #
A security measure that restricts access to authorized individuals only. In aviation security, this can include physical access controls (e.g., locks, keys, ID cards) and logical access controls (e.g., passwords, two-factor authentication) to secure areas such as airside locations, aircraft, and sensitive data systems.
**ACL (Access Control List)** #
A table that lists the permissions for each user or group for a particular resource, such as a file or network directory. ACLs are used to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information.
**ACMS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System)** #
A system used for communication between aircraft and air traffic control, allowing for the exchange of information such as flight plans, position reports, and weather updates.
**ADC (Automatic Dependent Surveillance #
Broadcast)** - A surveillance technology that uses GPS to determine an aircraft's position and broadcasts this information to other aircraft and air traffic control.
**ADS #
B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast)** - A surveillance technology that uses GPS to determine an aircraft's position and broadcasts this information to other aircraft and air traffic control. ADS-B is used to improve situational awareness and increase safety in the National Airspace System.
**Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS)** #
A security program that requires information about air cargo to be submitted and screened before it is loaded onto an aircraft.
**Air Domain** #
The portion of the national security structure that encompasses all aspects of aviation, including civil and military airspace, airports, and aircraft.
**Air Marshals** #
Federal law enforcement officers who are responsible for providing security on commercial flights.
**Air Operations Center (AOC)** #
A military organization that is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing air operations.
**Air Traffic Control (ATC)** #
The system responsible for managing the movement of aircraft in the National Airspace System.
**Airside** #
The secure area of an airport that is accessible only to authorized personnel and aircraft.
**ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association)** #
The largest pilot union in the United States, representing over 60,000 professional pilots.
**AMHS (Aeronautical Message Handling System)** #
A system used for the exchange of aeronautical information, such as weather updates and flight plans, between aircraft and air traffic control.
**APIS (Advance Passenger Information System)** #
A system used by governments to collect information about passengers before they board an aircraft.
**ASDE #
X (Airport Surface Detection Equipment)** - A system used to detect and track aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface.
**AST (Aviation Security Technology)** #
The use of technology to enhance security in the aviation industry, including systems for access control, surveillance, and communication.
**ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management)** #
The process of managing the flow of air traffic in the National Airspace System to ensure safety and efficiency.
**ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)** #
A recorded message that provides information about the current weather and runway conditions at an airport.
**ATM (Air Traffic Management)** #
The overall system responsible for managing the movement of aircraft in the National Airspace System.
**AVSEC (Aviation Security)** #
The measures taken to protect the aviation industry from acts of unlawful interference.
**Baggage Reconciliation System** #
A system used to ensure that all checked baggage is accounted for and loaded onto the correct aircraft.
**Biometrics** #
The use of unique physical or behavioral characteristics (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition) to identify individuals.
**C #
TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)** - A voluntary program that encourages businesses to enhance their security practices in order to reduce the risk of terrorism.
**COTP (Captain of the Port)** #
A Coast Guard official who is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the ports within their jurisdiction.
**CP (Checkpoint)** #
A security checkpoint at an airport where passengers are screened before they are allowed to proceed to the gate area.
**Crewmember Identification Card** #
A government-issued ID card that is used to identify and verify the identity of aircraft crewmembers.
**Criminal History Records Check (CHRC)** #
A background check that is used to determine if an individual has a criminal history.
**CSO (Chief Security Officer)** #
The individual responsible for overseeing the security program for an organization.
**CT (Computed Tomography)** #
A type of imaging technology that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of an object.
**DATM (Defense Air Traffic Management)** #
The organization responsible for managing the movement of military aircraft in the National Airspace System.
**DCIS (Department of Homeland Security)** #
The federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and other threats.
**DHS (Department of Homeland Security)** #
The federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and other threats.
**DOD (Department of Defense)** #
The federal agency responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government directly related to national security and the United States Armed Forces.
**DoS (Denial of Service)** #
A type of cyber attack that is designed to prevent users from accessing a website or network.
**DoS (Department of State)** #
The federal agency responsible for promoting and protecting the interests of the United States abroad.
**DOT (Department of Transportation)** #
The federal agency responsible for regulating transportation in the United States.
**EAP (Employee Assistance Program)** #
A program that provides support and resources to employees who are experiencing personal or professional challenges.
**EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency)** #
The European Union's equivalent of the FAA, responsible for ensuring the safety of aviation in Europe.
**ECC (European Civil Aviation Conference)** #
An international organization that promotes cooperation and coordination in the field of civil aviation in Europe.
**ECS (Explosive Detection Systems)** #
A system used to detect the presence of explosives.
**EDS (Explosive Detection Systems)** #
A system used to detect the presence of explosives.
**EGD (Explosive Trace Detection)** #
A system used to detect the presence of explosives by analyzing trace particles.
**EHID (Extended High #
Level Explosive Detection Device)** - A device used to detect the presence of explosives.
**ELS (Emergency Locator Transmitter)** #
A device that is activated in the event of an emergency and transmits a signal that can be used to locate the aircraft.
**ERAM (En Route Automation Modernization)** #
A system used to manage air traffic at high altitudes.
**ESAR (Emergency Security Action)** #
An emergency response plan that is implemented in the event of a security threat.
**ESAS (European Secure Air Traffic Management Research Programme)** #
A research program that focuses on the development of secure air traffic management systems.
**EU (European Union)** #
A political and economic union of 27 European countries.
**FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)** #
The federal agency responsible for regulating civil aviation in the United States.
**FAD (Foreign Airport Dataset)** #
A database that contains information about foreign airports.
**FAM (Flight Crew Member)** #
A member of an aircraft's flight crew, including the pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendants.
**FBO (Fixed Base Operator)** #
A company that provides services to general aviation aircraft, such as fueling, maintenance, and storage.
**FCS (Flight Control System)** #
A system that is used to control the movement of an aircraft.
**FDR (Flight Data Recorder)** #
A device that records information about an aircraft's flight, such as altitude, airspeed, and heading.
**FDPS (Flight Deck Passenger Service Unit)** #
A unit located in the cabin of an aircraft that provides communication and entertainment services to passengers.
**FEP (Flight Exploitation Procedures)** #
A set of procedures that are used to protect an aircraft from hijacking or other security threats.
**FFDO (Federal Flight #
**FFDO (Federal Flight