4.3 Aviation Security

 -Insider to threat

    Richard Russell, a ground worker at Seattle's Tacoma Airport, was 29. He was accused of stealing a Horizon Air DHC-8 (Q400) aircraft while on duty and performing aerobatics. Richard Russell's plane crashed and exploded on Ketron Island about an hour later, killing Russell. The investigation found no evidence that Russell was involved in terrorism. He was a qualified employee on the inside and outside of an aircraft while working for Horizon Air, and had no security breaches until he stole the aircraft. While working as a ground worker, Russell was familiar with how to start the aircraft's APU and how to handle the tow device and tow car, so he could easily take the plane. This case is a stark example of how serious a threat to aviation safety can be if an insider turns into a criminal. This incident was especially shocking because the plane had been stolen for more than an hour, but no one on the ground knew about it.

    To prevent such incidents, TSA has implemented various procedures for internal security. For example, when hiring airport staff, strict screening criteria apply and they are subject to criminal background checks. They also pass through metal detectors and verify their identity through bag inspection and fingerprint scans.

    While this certainly improves the quality of aviation security, I recommend periodic psychological examinations of employees. This is because mental health after being hired as an employee may not be the same as mental health after working as an employee. Depending on the environment, normal people sometimes feel stable and sometimes fall into depression. For those who work at the airport, the geography and characteristics of the airport and the knowledge of airplanes are very good, and when they turn into a threat, the consequences are disastrous. That was the case with German wings' suicide flight, and so was this case. Periodic diagnostic counseling of insiders could prevent such a tragedy. In addition, it will be possible to further enhance the safety of aviation security by consulting with employees who may feel depressed or someone who can be potentially threats afterwards.

Langone, A. (2018, August 12). “Beebo Was Loved By Everyone.” Family Left Heartbroken After Airline Worker Steals and Crashes Plane. Time. https://time.com/5364913/richard-russel-seattle-horizon-air-stolen-plane/

Transportation Security Administration .(n.d.). Insider Threat Roadmap 2020 from https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/3597_layout_insider_threat_roadmap_0424.pdf