Aviation Security: Improved Controls Needed To Prevent Unauthorized Access at Key Airports, Report to the Secretary of Transportation   [open pdf - 2MB]

GAO reviewed the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) domestic civil aviation security program. GAO found that, at the nation's highest-risk airports, aviation services firms: (1) could not properly account for their terminated employees' identification badges; (2) failed to challenge unidentified personnel who gained access to restricted airport areas; and (3) allowed employees with identification to bypass screening. GAO also found that FAA: (1) required airport and airline employees to undergo full security screening, effective December 21, 1987; and (2) plans to require all U.S. airports to acquire automated identification systems.