Identifying the Significance of Acts of Unlawful Interference
Understanding the various forms of unlawful interference such as hijacking, sabotage, terrorism, and cyber attacks, recognizing their potential consequences on aviation operations. It includes:
- Historical context: Learning from past incidents to understand vulnerabilities.
- Types of threats: Physical, cyber, and insider threats.
- Impact assessment: Evaluating how these acts disrupt flight operations, endanger lives, damage infrastructure, and affect public confidence.
- Legal and regulatory frameworks: Familiarity with ICAO Annex 17, national laws, and international conventions that define and address unlawful interference.
Knowledge to Explain Aviation Security Management
This encompasses a comprehensive understanding of how aviation security is organized and maintained:
- Importance: Ensuring passenger safety, protecting assets, maintaining operational continuity, and complying with international standards.
- Issues and challenges:
- Balancing security with passenger convenience.
- Managing evolving threats (e.g., drones, cyberattacks).
- Coordinating among multiple stakeholders (airlines, airports, governments).
- Budget constraints and resource allocation.
- Management framework:
- Risk-based approach to security.
- Security programmes and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Training and awareness programmes.
- Audits, inspections, and continuous improvement.
- Integration with emergency response and crisis management plans.
Skills to Evaluate Security Threats to Appraise Aviation Security Risk Management Plans
Ability to critically assess potential threats and determine the effectiveness of security measures:
- Threat evaluation:
- Identifying and categorising threats (e.g., external vs. internal).
- Using intelligence and data analytics to anticipate risks.
- Risk assessment:
- Applying models like Threat-Vulnerability-Consequence (TVC).
- Prioritising risks based on likelihood and impact.
- Appraisal of security plans:
- Reviewing existing security protocols and contingency plans.
- Testing and validating security measures through drills and simulations.
- Recommending improvements based on gaps or emerging threats.
- Ensuring compliance with ICAO and national aviation security programmes.