The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA has stated it will require a secondary barrier to be fitted on the flight deck of new commercial airplanes in order to ensure the safety of aircraft, flight crew and air passengers. The final rule mandating the additional barrier is intended to protect flight decks from passenger intrusions when the flight deck door is open.
“Every day, pilots and flight crews transport millions of Americans safely – and today we are taking another important step to make sure they have the physical protections they deserve,” said US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg.
Aircraft manufacturers operating in the United States will be required to install secondary barriers on commercial aircraft produced after the rule goes into effect.
“No pilot should have to worry about an intrusion on the flight deck,” added Acting FAA Associate Administrator for Safety, David Boulter.
The Biden-Harris Administration made this rule a priority in 2021. In 2022, the FAA proposed the rule after seeking recommendations from aircraft manufacturers and labour partners. The rule meets a requirement of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act.
