Industry Focus

AVIATION SECURITY DEROGATIONS

1.The Department for Transport has now released the Secretary of State’s decision on the application in the United Kingdom of the derogation set out in EC Regulation 1254/2008.

2. I am pleased to confirm that amongst the 11 categories of flights that are now derogated from the common basic standards the list includes helicopters and does not specify a maximum weight for this category.

3. The following summarises the required alternative security measures required:

AIRPORTS SUBJECT TO SECURITY REGULATIONS WITH DEMARCATED AREAS

Airport operator to mark demarcated areas and to control access

Carrier to secure aircraft and conduct visual security check prior to departure

AIRPORTS WHOLLY COVERED BY THE DEROGATION AND NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO SECURITY REGULATIONS

No specific alternative security measures imposed.  Follow advisory Counter Terrorism Protective Security Advice issued by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office

4. Best practice suggests that unattended helicopters should remain locked and that the pilot/crew should conduct a security check as part of the pre-flight check.