IFALPA Security Committee Coordination Group (SEC-COG25), Lisbon – Portugal

COMLOSS – PROLONGED LOSS OF COMMUNICATION

The first agenda item was the working document concerning COMLOSS (Prolonged Loss of Communication). BALPA provided an update regarding a case in which an individual had been prosecuted and found guilty by the relevant national authorities following a COMLOSS event.

The discussion focused on the fact that the current document combined two separate issues: COMLOSS events themselves and administrative fines imposed following the COMLOSS incident in the United Kingdom.

The Committee also discussed whether COMLOSS should primarily be considered a safety issue rather than a security issue, and whether the Security Working Group should continue developing the document in its current form.

As a separate document concerning administrative fines is already being prepared, the Committee concluded that continuing two documents covering substantially the same subject would not be necessary.

BOARDING IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES

The Committee subsequently reviewed the document concerning Boarding Identification Procedures.

The initial discussion focused on the purpose and main policy message of the document, as it was considered that the key message had become less clear in the latest draft.

The Committee also discussed whether the document should focus specifically on boarding identification procedures or address passenger identification more broadly.

Following the discussion, the document was restructured and completed.

CCTV

Considerable time was dedicated to the review of the CCTV document.

The discussion focused particularly on the advantages and disadvantages associated with potential CCTV downlink capabilities, as well as the security concerns arising from the recording and transmission of onboard CCTV footage.

It was broadly agreed that the document should be revised to place greater emphasis on the concerns associated with CCTV recording and downlinking. The title and scope of the document were therefore considered for revision in order to better reflect these specific concerns.

SECONDARY BARRIERS

The latest version of the Secondary Barriers document was reviewed prior to the lunch break.

The impending entry into force of the FAA mandate at the end of August created a clear need to finalize the document.

The discussion focused on whether a non-physical secondary barrier should be required, or whether the Committee should instead continue to advocate for a comprehensive risk assessment approach.

The discussion therefore considered whether a specific mitigation measure should be prescribed or whether operators should be allowed to determine the most appropriate solution based on operational requirements and risk assessment.

REVIEW AND UPDATE OF 2019 AND 2021 DOCUMENTS

The Committee reviewed several existing documents issued in 2019 and 2021 to determine whether they remained current or required revision.

Human Trafficking: The document will be reviewed with a view to determining whether an update is required before the next meeting in Madrid.

Passenger Flights Carrying Deportees: The document will be reviewed to determine whether an update is necessary before the next Madrid meeting.

Laser Attacks on Aircraft: Further work on the subject will be undertaken.

Deployment of In-Flight Security Officers (IFSOs) in the Passenger Cabin: The existing document will

remain unchanged.

The Role of IFALPA and its Member Associations: It was agreed that this document should no longer be maintained as a BL and should instead remain within the Administrative Manual.

NATIONAL DECLARATIONS ON UNRULY PASSENGERS

The Technical Officer presented several national declarations concerning unruly passengers, including initiatives from Austria, Finland and Ireland.

Particular attention was given to the Norwegian declaration, which has been endorsed by IFALPA, ECA, IATA and EASA.

Member Associations were encouraged to consider developing similar initiatives at national level within their respective countries.

EMERGING AVIATION SECURITY TOPICS

Under Any Other Business, several current aviation security topics were discussed.

These included visitor pass programmes at U.S. airports, the recent drone incident in Leipzig, and a reported fake MANPADS sighting near New York LaGuardia Airport.

The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange information regarding emerging aviation security threats and recent developments relevant to the aviation industry.

SONUÇ VE ÖNERİLER:

Based on the discussions held during the IFALPA SEC-COG25 meeting, the following areas may be considered for further follow-up by TALPA:

1. COMLOSS

TALPA may consider following international developments concerning COMLOSS and the distinction between communication loss events and administrative fines, particularly with regard to the operational and regulatory consequences for flight crews.

2. Boarding Identification Procedures

TALPA may consider following developments concerning boarding identification and passenger identification procedures and supporting effective identity verification processes throughout the passenger journey.

3. CCTV

TALPA should monitor developments concerning onboard CCTV systems, particularly recording and downlink capabilities, and support appropriate safeguards regarding access to and use of recorded material.

4. Secondary Barriers

TALPA may consider following developments related to the FAA mandate and international practices concerning Secondary Barriers. Any implementation should take into account operational requirements, crew procedures and an appropriate comprehensive risk assessment.

5. Review of Existing Documents

TALPA may consider following the planned updates concerning Human Trafficking, Passenger Flights Carrying Deportees and Laser Attacks on Aircraft, and assessing any developments that may be relevant to Turkish flight crews.

6. Unruly Passengers

TALPA may consider monitoring national initiatives concerning unruly passengers and reviewing relevant international practices and declarations.

7. Emerging Aviation Security Threats

TALPA should continue to follow developments concerning emerging aviation security threats, including drone incidents, visitor pass programmes at airports, and potential MANPADS-related threats.

8. Continued IFALPA Engagement

TALPA should continue its active participation in IFALPA Security Committee activities to ensure that the operational experience and perspectives of Turkish pilots continue to be represented in international aviation security discussions.

The next Security Committee meeting is scheduled to take place in Auckland, New Zealand, from 17–19 November 2026, hosted by NZALPA.