Tougher controls for pilot training - WAR ON TERROR: [3 All-round Metro Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 03 Dec 2002: 6.
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All pilots will be required to obtain photo identification and cabinet yesterday discussed the issue of further baggage screening for international flights and new screening of all baggage on domestic flights.
The latest alert warns the general aviation industry, crop- dusters and aviation schools to be aware of suspicious behaviour and unusual purchases. It advises owners of helicopters and crop- dusters to be particularly vigilant. Maintenance companies also are being asked to monitor purchases of chemicals that could be used to create explosives.
STRICTER procedures for pilot training and the screening of student pilots are to be introduced to guard against September 11- style terror attacks, the federal Government confirmed last night.
All pilots will be required to obtain photo identification and cabinet yesterday discussed the issue of further baggage screening for international flights and new screening of all baggage on domestic flights.
A spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister John Anderson said three terrorist alerts had been issued to thegeneral aviation industry since September 11, 2001.
The latest alert warns the general aviation industry, crop- dusters and aviation schools to be aware of suspicious behaviour and unusual purchases. It advises owners of helicopters and crop- dusters to be particularly vigilant. Maintenance companies also are being asked to monitor purchases of chemicals that could be used to create explosives.
Security intelligence agencies have been closely scrutinising any applications for student licences.
"We are trying to cover all bases," Mr Anderson's spokesman said. "The risk in Australia is generally seen as very, very low. Nevertheless, we need to do what we can to ensure security."
Cabinet is understood to have accepted that all international baggage out of Australia should be screened by 2005. The issue of screening of domestic baggage remains a complex problem for the Government because of the high cost and difficulty in reconfiguring airports.
An announcement on further details of security measures within the aviation industry is expected later this week.
Meanwhile, Chubb Protective Services announced it was aiming to employ an additional 1000 security guards before Christmas. Thecompany has been steadily recruiting security officers since September 11, 2001.
Chubb managing director George Chin said the heightened security risk since the Bali bombings had led to expectations for a higher level of security in public places.
"We have vacancies in all capital cities to work in areas with a high or perceived high security risk to visitors, large buildings and areas of economic significance," Mr Chin said.
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