Aviation Security (Avsec) for Air Carriers Course

Lesson 1 • Global Regulatory Framework Overview

Introduces international standards bodies and their roles in setting aviation security requirements. Connects global mandates to air carrier obligations.

Lesson 2 • Core Security Concepts and Terminology

Defines essential terms and principles used throughout the course. Ensures a shared vocabulary for all subsequent technical content.

Lesson 3 • Key Stakeholders and Responsibilities

Identifies all parties involved in aviation security and their interdependencies. Clarifies how air carriers fit within the broader security network.

Lesson 1 • Intelligence and Information Sources

Covers how carriers access and use security intelligence to inform decisions. Emphasizes integrating government advisories with internal data.

Lesson 2 • Continuous Risk Monitoring

Establishes processes for ongoing threat tracking and control effectiveness review. Ensures risk management remains dynamic rather than static.

Lesson 3 • Types of Aviation Security Threats

Categorizes threats including terrorism, sabotage, and insider risk. Builds threat awareness as the foundation for all risk management decisions.

Lesson 4 • Risk Assessment Methodology

Introduces structured frameworks for evaluating likelihood and impact of security threats. Students apply these frameworks to carrier-specific contexts.

Lesson 1 • Standard Operating Procedures Development

Guides creation of clear, enforceable security SOPs aligned with program requirements. Students practice writing and reviewing procedure documents.

Lesson 2 • Roles Within the Security Program

Defines accountabilities of the security director, coordinators, and frontline staff. Clarifies how responsibilities cascade through the organization.

Lesson 3 • Program Auditing and Compliance Tracking

Introduces internal audit methods to verify program adherence and identify gaps. Connects audit findings to corrective action and regulatory reporting.

Lesson 4 • Program Implementation and Communication

Addresses how to roll out security program changes across an airline's operations. Focuses on staff communication, training triggers, and change management.

Lesson 1 • Screening Technology Overview

Surveys current and emerging screening technologies used at checkpoints. Prepares students to evaluate technology capabilities and limitations.

Lesson 2 • Screening Principles and Legal Basis

Establishes the regulatory authority and purpose behind passenger and baggage screening. Grounds all subsequent screening content in its legal and ethical context.

Lesson 3 • Alarm Resolution and Referral Procedures

Trains students to resolve screening alarms systematically and escalate appropriately. Covers decision points from initial alarm to law enforcement referral.

Lesson 4 • Passenger Screening Procedures

Details checkpoint processes including document verification, physical screening, and behavioral observation. Builds step-by-step procedural competency.

Lesson 1 • Restricted Area Definitions and Boundaries

Defines the types of restricted zones within an airport and their security significance. Establishes the spatial framework for all access control measures.

Lesson 2 • Credentialing and Identity Management

Covers the issuance, verification, and revocation of airport access credentials. Addresses background check requirements and credential lifecycle management.

Lesson 3 • Vehicle and Ground Equipment Control

Addresses security controls for vehicles and ground support equipment operating in restricted areas. Covers inspection, authorization, and tracking requirements.

Lesson 4 • Perimeter Patrol and Surveillance

Covers patrol methods and surveillance technologies used to detect perimeter breaches. Connects surveillance data to rapid response protocols.

Lesson 1 • Mail and Express Courier Security

Addresses unique security challenges posed by postal and express courier shipments. Covers screening requirements and handling procedures for mail items.

Lesson 2 • Cargo Security Regulatory Requirements

Outlines the regulatory framework governing air cargo security, including known shipper programs. Establishes compliance obligations for carriers accepting cargo.

Lesson 3 • Cargo Screening Methods and Technologies

Covers physical, X-ray, and explosive detection methods applied to air cargo. Students evaluate method selection based on cargo type and risk level.

Lesson 4 • Catering and In-Flight Supply Security

Covers security controls for catering, cleaning supplies, and other items loaded onto aircraft. Addresses supplier vetting and in-flight supply chain integrity.

Lesson 1 • Cabin Crew Security Responsibilities

Defines the security role of cabin crew before, during, and after flight. Connects crew duties to the broader aircraft security program.

Lesson 2 • Aircraft Security Checks and Searches

Details pre-departure security check procedures for aircraft interior and exterior. Ensures students can plan and conduct thorough aircraft searches.

Lesson 3 • Flight Deck Security Measures

Covers hardened cockpit door requirements, access protocols, and pilot security duties. Addresses communication between flight deck and cabin during security events.

Lesson 4 • In-Flight Security Incidents

Prepares students to recognize and respond to in-flight threats including hijacking and unruly passengers. Covers decision frameworks for crew and ground coordination.

Lesson 1 • Incident Classification and Notification

Establishes how to classify security incidents by severity and initiate the correct notification chain. Ensures rapid, accurate communication at incident onset.

Lesson 2 • Command and Control During Incidents

Introduces incident command structures used during aviation security emergencies. Clarifies roles, decision authority, and information flow under pressure.

Lesson 3 • Post-Incident Review and Lessons Learned

Guides systematic review of security incidents to extract actionable improvements. Connects findings to program updates and regulatory reporting obligations.

Lesson 4 • Emergency Response Planning

Covers the structure and content of carrier emergency response plans for security events. Students evaluate plan completeness and integration with airport plans.