Chicago City Wire

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), re-introduced the Cargo Flight Deck Security Act. This bipartisan bill requires all cargo aircraft be equipped with intrusion-resistant cockpit doors that remain locked while in flight.

“Cargo pilots deserve to have the same common safety and security measures that passenger plane pilots have had since the September 11th tragedy. The aviation industry must prioritize safety for cargo pilots, crews, and communities on the ground,” said Congressman García. “Deck doors are a crucial safeguard, and it’s time we require them on all new cargo planes.”

“Cargo airlines should have the same safety and security as other aircraft,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The bipartisan Cargo Flight Deck Security Act will ensure that pilots and crews are protected by essential security requirements, and I am proud to partner with Rep. García on this legislation that furthers our shared goal of aviation safety.”

“Since the tragedy of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we have rightfully made aviation security a national priority, but there is more we must do to protect security on all-cargo operations. Cargo operations also carry non-airline employees — large game handlers, equipped with tranquilizers to subdue the animals — who have unimpeded access to the flight deck because there is no flight deck door,” said Air Line Pilots Association, International President, Capt. Jason Ambrosi. “The Cargo Flight Deck Security Act will make our skies more secure by mandating flight deck doors on all newly manufactured cargo aircraft, ending this security threat. Thank you, Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García and Brian Fitzpatrick, for your leadership to strengthen aviation security.”

Many cargo planes have an open interior, without a cockpit barrier to protect the flight deck.  There is no mandate that the flight deck of a cargo aircraft be separated or secure from the cargo and passenger area. This is a matter of aircraft security, and cargo pilots have been fighting for hardened cockpit doors for almost two decades. This bill will solve that long overdue security concern. 

The legislation has also been endorsed by the following organizations: Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Allied Pilots Association (APA), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD).

The text of the bill can be found here.

Original source can be found here.