Tucson, AZ Becomes 50th Facility To Embrace KCM

The Known Crewmember (KCM) program has been expanded to include Tucson International Airport and El Paso International Airport. These new facilities are now the KCM’s 50th and 51st locations, officially starting operations Monday.

KCM is a risk-based security screening program that enables TSA officers to positively verify the identity and employment status of airline crewmembers. The program enhances security, strengthens partnerships, and allows the TSA to focus on travelers the agency knows less about or who present a greater risk to aviation security. KCM access points are dedicated screening lanes that are utilized by prescreened airline crewmembers; crewmembers are among the most trusted travelers. KCM is also an example of the TSA’s commitment to focusing its attention and resources on those who present the greatest risk, thereby improving security and the travel experience for passengers across the country.
 
The testing of risk-based screening for flight crews began in 2011 and was approved by the TSA for expansion in 2012. As a result of ALPA’s successful partnerships with A4A and the TSA, KCM has evolved into a robust nationwide program, having screened more than 17 million crewmembers to date.
 
ALPA president Capt. Lee Moak said, “The expansion of Known Crewmember to its 50th and 51st locations signifies a milestone achievement for the U.S. airline industry. Because it enables TSA security officers to make these verifications, airline pilots—who already undergo thorough criminal background and employment checks—can be screened more efficiently.”
 
“We are pleased to expand the KCM program to its 50th and 51st locations, enabling airline passengers and crewmembers to benefit from risk-based procedures that improve safety and security while making travel more efficient,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “The KCM program continues to demonstrate that enhanced security and the efficient movement of passengers and cargo are not mutually exclusive goals, and A4A looks forward to further expanding this indispensable tool at airports nationwide.”
 
“Since Known Crewmember began in 2011, this program has enabled TSA to focus its screening efforts on those who pose a greater risk to aviation security,” said TSA Administrator John. S. Pistole. “Expanding these identity-based initiatives to additional airports nationwide is another positive step in the evolution of the agency’s ongoing risk-based, intelligence-driven security approach.”
 
There are currently 45 air carriers with pilots using KCM, and 34 of those air carriers’ flight attendants also use KCM.

FMI: www.knowncrewmember.org