AST Digital Magazine October 2017 Digital-Oct | Page 76

Volume 17
October 2017 Edition
As a result, more and more airlines are exploring
African destinations and opportunities for FBO’s,
Maintenance facilities and Regional Hubs.
Revenue, notoriety, and economic growth are all
benefits of a viable aviation sector.
Qualified screening staff includes bag check per-
sonnel who are tasked with a majority of alarm
resolution assignments and whose task will fol-
low alarm resolution guidelines based on the na-
ture of the alarm.
Resolution may require intervention by explosive
experts where an investigation is likely launched.
This single set of events may be the key to stop-
ping a terrorist attack, or transport of explosive
materials.
Without a trained and proficient X-Ray operator,
none of it becomes achievable.
Armed with new skills, and leadership attributes,
appropriately trained X-Ray operators would be-
come an integral part of the screening process
that should include a properly trained screening
staff assigned to walk through metal detector
duty as well as passenger assist personnel for
bag checking and pat downs.
In creating an environment for continued growth,
African civil aviation authorities now have to take
on the responsibility of providing uncompromis-
ing security programs to protect the traveling
public.
Properly trained X-Ray operators are one layer
of security that is critical in the protection of air-
craft in our skies.
The challenge for much of Africa continues to be
identifying a viable training venue with a program
that is designed to educate aviation security per-
sonnel in key disciplines.
Fortified with these skills, African countries can
continue to develop and reap the rewards of a
solid and viable aviation sector that will produce
a more travel friendly route variety for Americans
who want to visit the Continent.
The civil aviation sector in Africa is rapidly ex-
panding.
Dominic J. Arcuri, Security Specialist and Former Aviation
Security Trainer
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