Release #: 23.19
June 14, 2023

ALPA Commends FAA for Issuing Secondary Barrier Final Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Earlier today at a press conference together with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other pilot unions, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), commended the aviation regulator for issuing the final rule for the implementation of secondary barriers. Published today, the long-overdue final rule will mandate the installation of secondary barriers on all newly manufactured aircraft within two years.

“Twenty-two years ago this September, terrorists used passenger aircraft to kill nearly 3,000 of our fellow Americans and shattered our sense of safety and security. We responded to these attacks decisively and put multiple measures in place to prevent another tragedy like this from happening, but until now have failed to act to install secondary flight deck door barriers,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “I applaud Acting FAA Administrator Polly Trottenberg for moving to implement this live-saving measure after years of needless delay.”

Mandated by Congress in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, ALPA has been a strong proponent of these lightweight security devices that have proven effective in creating a physical barricade to help prevent hostile individuals from reaching the flight deck while its door is opened during flight.

“With this action today addressing the installation of secondary barriers on newly manufactured aircraft, we must redouble our efforts to pass the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act (H.R. 911/S. 911) to address the retrofitting of existing airliners, and work to install primary barriers on cargo aircraft. Because ensuring that no terrorist—domestic or international—breaches another aircraft flight deck door again should be one of this nation’s highest security priorities,” said Ambrosi.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 74,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

-###-

CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org