Constraints on jump-seat cargo flights
The Air Line Pilots Association (Alpa) welcomes the introduction of legislation (HR 4598) that would require the installation of intrusion-resistant cockpit doors (IRCD) on aircraft used in all-cargo airline operations.
The non-governmental aviation safety organisation considers the cargo flight deck security act of 2021 as "an important step toward the establishment of one level of security for both passenger and all-cargo flight operations."
One example of a critical threat that an IRCD would help mitigate is the transport of large animals. During these operations, animal handlers on board often carry lethal animal tranquilisers. These individuals are seated directly behind the pilots and are not required to meet the same security background checks as airline crew members. (ah)