by Professor Francis G Spranza, MA, President, Spranza Inc
Structuring Ground Handling Security
Discussions within the field of aviation security, have of late, focused on the regulatory compliance, operations and technologies associated with either airports or airlines, too often overlooking the role and requirements for Ground Handling Services.
With more and more airlines subcontracting Ground Handling Services to outside companies, the role of these companies within aviation security has grown exponentially.
Charged with the service requirements of aircraft from landing through departure many of these contractors handle duties ranging from cabin service (cleaning and servicing the aircraft) and catering to bag handling, marshalling the aircraft while providing Gate services and counters to field operations.
These contract companies play a key role in day-to-day operations of both the airfield and the air operator. As such, Ground Handling companies must incorporate relevant elements of both the airport security plan and that of the airline(s) which they service.
Having a proper, compliant GHS Security Plan along with an effective Security Awareness and AVSEC Quality Assurance Programs is essential to the safe and secure operation within the airport environment.
The GHS Security Plan
Too often, GHS executives rely solely on their client airlines or host airports to fulfill the mandated requirements for aviation security unaware of their role and mandated requirements. The GHS Security Plan, much more than a simple letter or brief, provides the structure and framework to meet the obligations required for proper AVSEC compliance.
By convention there are eleven key areas contained within the GHS Security Plan. Each area must be discussed in detail, with specific actions drawn from both the local airport security plan and client air operator AVSEC Program. For many GHS companies, this means drafting and maintaining several varied GHS Security Plans – each specific to the venue of operation, as airport ASP's will vary depending on the country of operation.
A typical GHS Security Program will address the following key areas:
1. Organizational and Personnel Responsibilities
2. Threat Assessment and Risk Management
3. Areas of Responsibilities
4. Facility Security – Airside/Landside, Structures, Bag and baggage along with passenger handling and surveillance
5. Employee Access Control – handling of Airport ID Media, Challenge and Access Procedures both Airside and Landside along with the SIDA
6. Visitor and Vendor Access
7. Vehicle Access Control procedures both airside and landside – as applicable
8. Security of Aircraft
9. Training Policy, Content and Employee Evaluation & Testing
10. Detailed Security Situation Responses
11. Monitoring and Auditing
Within each general area shown above, the plan must contain detailed descriptions of the various aspects of security response based on the relevant portions of the local Airport Security Plan and client Air Operator AVSEC Program.
With the Ground Handling Security Plan in place, administrators then are prepared to develop both the Employee Security Awareness and Quality Assurance components of the program.
GHS Employee Security Awareness
Whether presented as a one-time briefing, or made available via interactive Computer Based modules, the Employee Security Awareness Program ensures all GHS personnel are knowledgeable of the various rules, regulations, procedures and consequences of non-compliance with company policy, airport security operations and airline AVSEC requirements.
The illustration presented to the left highlights elements found in a typical Employee Security Awareness Program. Individual GHS corporate policy may provide the foundation on which specific airport and air operator elements can then be added.
Regardless of form and format, every GHS employee MUST receive the information contained in the Employee Security Awareness Program as a mandatory part of employment. Typically the program will include: a) an instructor's manual, b) briefing slides or PowerPoint® presentation, c) employee handout, d) sign-in sheet and administrative forms, along with various posters and signs to remind line and staff personnel of key ESA concepts.
Role of Quality Assurance
As the name implies, the AVSEC Quality Assurance Program ensures the policy, practices and procedures found in the GHS Security Program are properly implemented, and the Program is maintained current as well as compliant with both applicable government regulations and local airport/airline policies.
A key function of the Quality Assurance Program is to develop the appropriate infrastructure with which to ensure corporate compliance with ICAO, TSA and National Security Directives.The designated Quality Assurance Officer is then responsible for ensuring proper documentation, record-keeping and consistently maintained archives, through on-going monitoring, no-notice personnel testing, periodic program evaluations and monthly site surveys.
Coordination, Command and Control
Perhaps the best way for GHS executives to ascertain if their infrastructure of command and control meets International Standards is through examination of the evaluations found in the IOSA Audit Checklist for Ground Handling (GHR) Management & Control Sections 1 – 10 along with Sections 3.1.1 – 3.6.4
As one might suspect, maintaining an ongoing and viable working liaison and participating in airport security and emergency exercises with representatives of both the respective airport security administration, client air operator security director and the local security committee is requisite for a sound GHS Security Program.
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