Access Control
& Security Systems

Even before Congress created a new transportation security administration with broad powers, and before President Bush signed the Aviation Security Act, the Federal Aviation Administration began evacuating terminals and delaying flights for security reasons.

Between Oct. 30 and Nov. 28, the FAA evacuated 21 terminals or concourses, delaying 864 flights and canceling 232 others, agency statistics show. Passengers on 190 other flights had to go through security checkpoints again because they were improperly screened the first time.

The Transportation Department has put safety and security ahead of conveniences like on-time flights and passenger service.

"Perhaps prior to Sept. 11, there would have been a lot of complaining, whereas today, everybody knows why we're doing it,'' Monte Belger, acting FAA deputy administrator, told The Associated Press.

By Feb. 17, 2002, DOT is to take over airport security from the airlines. By Dec. 31, 2002, the agency is to have in place a system to screen all checked baggage by explosive detection machines.

This month in Access Control

• Targeting The Customer
• Electronic Pedigrees
• One Hero Among Many
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• More from September's issue