The Insider Threat

TSA Insider Threat 

     The TSA has been dealing with insider threats since the beginning of its establishment. However, it has recently began to grow within the organization.  Agents that are conducting nefarious acts by using their employment to commit crimes within the workplace. The insider threat can manifest as damaging against the TSA by utilizing the TSA as a means to do harm. Insider threats are seen in different forms one of the most extreme versions would be terrorism, or extremist activity that is directed to damage the TSA. As the organization grows the potential for infiltration also increases within the TSA. Other forms can include corruption, unauthorized access to security restricted areas and information as well as unauthorized disclosure of information. As technology continues to change so does the threat to any weaknesses within the system. While there are several different kinds of insider threat I feel that these are the ones that directly effect aviation security. While the terrorist activity has slowly been on the decline there are still incidents. In 2019 there was an incident of a pilot in training having a direct link to a terrorist group. 

    To combat these different forms of insider threat the TSA has devised a roadmap consisting of layers to combat any threats. Three main priorities are to promote meaningful data that will detect threats, advance operational capability to stop threats, and mature the capability of the TSS to mitigate threats. By promoting meaningful data the TSA can use the threat information to help develop and maintain technical capabilities to identify any risks. The advance operations that will stop threats utilize information to improve and enhance the insider threat detection. To mitigate threats the TSA will expose the weak insider threat and partner with stakeholders to create specific mitigation strategies. The TSA will be able to sustain a better security culture and mindset within its workers and reduce insider threats by forcing them to take responsibility for their actions (TSA insider threat roadmap: Transportation security administration 2020). 

    In conclusion, insider threat continues to present itself as an increasing issue. Some personal recommendations would be to increase security locations for employees. Hold TSA employees to the same standards as passengers. While people can pass background checks they can become lax in their abilities to follow rules. They can easily take advantage of an organization that places too much trust on their employees. While the TSA is doing a wonderful job at combating insider threat, there will always be motive to commit nefarious acts. Covering as much ground as possible is the best way to protect aviation security. 

Transportation Security Administration . (2020, May 14). TSA insider threat roadmap: Transportation security administration. TSA Insider Threat Roadmap | Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/videos/tsa-insider-threat-roadmap.

MCAS Boeing 737

On October 29, 2018 a Boeing 737 MAX crashed shortly after take off. The investigation led to some corrective actions that could be taken to prevent another accident. However, on March 10, 2019 another Boeing 737 MAX crashed shortly after take off. Both aircrafts suffered the same issues regarding the MCAS. Thus, leading to the immediate grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX. 

The MCAS was activated due to the Angle of Attack sensor this in turn caused the aircraft to push the nose downward to correct the action. To correct the issue the flight control computer was updated to eliminate MCAS reliance on the AOA sensor and made to use both sensors instead of one. Boeing changed their flight law to ensure that MCAS would only make one correction after one AOA sensor activation alert until AOA was lowered. One of the other corrections taken to address the issue was adding horizontal stabilizers that would respond to changes in trimmed airspeed while in manual flight. This in turn would push the nose of the airplane down. 

The impact of the MCAS failure led to the death of all flight crew and passengers on both aircrafts. This mass loss of life, and the grounding of all Boeing 737 MAX cost billions of dollars in lost revenue and damages. The only positive outcome was the grounding of the aircrafts to address the issues with the MCAS preventing any further accidents. I applaud their efforts placed in correcting the issue with the MCAS. However, if the situation had been handled during the initial accident then the second accident might not have. 

Environmental Factors and Flight

 Environmental Factors That Affect an Aircraft

A major environmental factor that affects airplanes is ice. Ice can be encountered during any season. It can be found anywhere in the country at altitudes of 18,000 feet and sometimes higher. Ice build-up on an aircraft can increase the weight and this, in turn, can decrease lift reducing the aircraft's performance. This can lead to an aircraft stalling. 

There are several strategies that airliners and pilots can utilize to combat this environmental factor. A heating mechanism to prevent ice build-up on the wings. The pilot can intentionally stall the plane before encountering ice that is why they understand how to correct the stall. Another way to combat ice is to lower the aircraft's altitude. The overall main way to avoid and prevent ice is to be vigilant and pay attention in all weather conditions. 

The Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowlege mentions how jet engines are able to melt the ice, but smaller commuter aircraft lack this ability. These aircraft are more susceptible to ice buildup. Its important to always avoid ice and the development of ice on an aircraft. Being perceptive of your environment is a contributing factor to avoiding ice. 

Reference 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/13_phak_ch11.pdf

 

What Does Ethics in the Aviation Profession Mean to You?

        In the aviation community it is important to understand that there is a high standard for ethical behavior. There is a moral duty and obligation that future aviation professionals must adhere to. When it comes to becoming a pilot there are multiple tests, examinations a pilot must pass to qualify under the FAAs guidelines. Ethics and professionalism go hand in hand when it comes to aviation, all who works in this environment must commit to the highest standards especially when it comes to safety.  

        While it is difficult to label what is ethical one thing is certain that the safety of the pilot, ground crews, passengers and other members of the aviation community are a major priority. Those involved in the aviation profession will have to determine what will be the best decision under difficult circumstances. This can be from a technical standpoint with a maintenance issue, or from instincts. Learning how to be an ethical professional is ongoing one that will most likely continue to progress through one's career and education. It is an important part of joining the aviation community, just as receiving certifications and passing medical examinations. The ability to make a difficult decision is essential to becoming a part of the organization. This is something that all members must understand from ground crews to maintenance technicians, pilots, and flight attendants. It is important to understand that ethics is a role that takes a hold of everyday life this will include appearance, attitude, organizational skills, and speech. How one upholds themselves plays a vital role in ethical professionalism. This is something that can visually be seen in the aviation community. Ethical standards while difficult to teach is still a vital part of the aviation community and will continue to do so in the future.   

-Zachary Stiles 

        Benton, P. (1995). Ethics in Aviation Education. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research. doi:10.15394/jaaer.1995.1147

        Pilot’s handbook of aeronautical knowledge (2016th ed.). (2016). Aviation Supplies & Academics.

Introduction

 

Hello Everyone,

    My name is Zachary Stiles and this is my first college course! Very nervous but also very excited. My goals are to achieve a BS in Aeronautics and a minor in Helicopter operations. My over all goals are to commission as an Officer in the US Army and hopefully fly as part of my job. 

    My work experience is working for the US Army for nine very long years as an infantrymen. I have a very toxic love hate relationship with my current job and the position that I am in. However I wouldn't do it any differently. My experience in the Army has brought me to several different countries around the world as well as meeting some of the best people in my life. 

    I currently reside in Clarksville, TN and am station in Fort Campbell, KY. I thoroughly enjoy the area I live and work in and frankly wouldn't mind retiring out of this area. I have been stationed in two other areas in my career and this has by far been the best so far. 

    My hobbies have a pretty large range. I enjoy lots of outside activities as long as it isn't incredibly cold outside. I also enjoy working out and running quite a lot. However nothing will ever beat hanging out with my wife and four kids. My family is my world.

    Originally, I was hopping to take a math or English course instead of starting off with this one. I registered pretty late for school and for my first semester so I had to take what I could get as far as classes that don't require books. However I am still excited to be in this class nonetheless! I look forward to learning new things and I'm pumped about finally getting started in scool!