During the initial planning and design process construction and operational requirements of a commercial airport are established. The requirements are governed by the FAA under airport certification requirements identified in 14 CFR 139. Security systems, methods, and procedures within the construction and operational process are the obligation of TSA.
The Federal Security Director (FSD) is the designated TSA official that approves the required Airport Security Program (ASP) document, the document identifies how the airport will meet security requirements. The FSD and local FAA Airports Division officials should be consulted during all phases of the project.
Airport operators must integrate a Safety Management System process into their overall plan in accordance with FAA rules. Airports must establish hazard reporting systems, a risk assessment process, and a risk mitigation and assurance process with the participation of airport management. The best way to implement security in a facility is through advance planning and continuous monitoring throughout the project. Selecting, constructing, or modifying a facility without considering security for the general public, the facility, passengers, and airport and air carrier personnel can result in costly modifications.
All physical security upgrades should be based on applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and policies to ensure the protection of all persons and assets (including information systems and data). At a minimum,a physical security approach should include:
1. A vulnerability assessment, including a check of regulatory compliance (refer to Appendix A) to evaluate the existing security at an operational airport or a comprehensive security plan evaluating the potential vulnerabilities at a new facility or site;
2. A Concept of Operations (ConOps) that considers the physical and