Access Control
& Security Systems

Security aboard charter planes has come into question recently, however, lobbying by the charter industry has curbed efforts to require all charter passengers to undergo security checks.

Charter passengers, generally large groups with huge funds (primarily sports teams, musical acts and large corporations), were to be checked by security officials starting Monday, according to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guideline. Instead, the requirement will not take effect until Oct. 18.

The rule states the program must include screening passengers and their baggage, use of metal detection devices and X-ray systems, security coordinators and training for security coordinators and crew.

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), who owns the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, amended the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in November to require private charter flights to meet the same security standards as commercial flights.

"It's inexcusable that this aviation security loophole has been so poorly addressed and it's important that the Administration treat this issue with a greater sense of urgency,'' Kohl said. ``Virtually every official with authority over aviation security in our country agrees that the absence of security screening on charter aircraft could pose a threat to targets on the ground."

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