In a reversal, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided to delay implementation of a recently announced requirement for crew entering through Known Crewmember (KCM) access points to wear their uniforms. But the agency is moving forward with planned increased Unpredictable Screening Procedures (USP) that involve randomly selecting crewmembers for screening through PreCheck while the KCM undergoes an audit.
The TSA this past weekend alerted flight crew representatives that a uniform requirement for KCM access points would take effect on August 28. The enhanced USP procedures, meanwhile, go into effect today.
Following the announced uniform requirement, airline, flight attendant, and pilot representatives reached out to the TSA, expressing their concerns. Instead, the TSA will work with industry “to determine alternative or additional measures to mitigate risk to the KCM system pending further TSA review as part of an ongoing audit,” the Association of Flight Attendants said. “We appreciate TSA Administrator [David] Pekoske and his leadership team for being so responsive to our concerns and demonstrating his respect for our role in the process by working with us to improve KCM.”
KCM provides for expedited security processing for properly vetted and credentialed flight crews through specific access points. Along with Part 121 participants, NATA’s Compliance Services group administers KCM for other operators, including charter and fractional. Nearly 400 operations participate in the NATA-run KCM program.