lifofanaviator

The mission of the TSA is to protect the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. As a TSO or a Transportation Security Officer, I see daily what the emerging threats are and what we are looking for. TSO's are part of the tenth layer of aviation security and they are one of the most hands on in terms of operation wise. As a TSO you must understand that the threat can walk right through the door at any given time. With that being said, TSOs must also be confident in the system set up to terminate that threat.  When I think of an emerging threat it is hard not to think of SSI(secret sensitive information), this type of information is divulged on a need to know bases and I cannot discuss it, but one thing that is public know that comes to mind is the emerging homeland and insider threat. The insider threat is one of the most unexpected. The trust that is put into those who work at airports is justified yet everyone must be monitored...

Continuing with the theme of thunderstorms and the risk they pose to aircraft of all types, I have chosen a system that combats severe thunderstorms as well as other hazardous weather. Specifically, I would like to focus on de-icing, which can be thought of as a risk-mitigating subsystem as part of the flight controls. As we know all parts of the aircraft system are important, some more than others. One of those that may top the list of importance is the flight controls. They must be near perfect for the aircraft to perform optimally. One tool that most aircraft utilize to help maintain that optimum performance during severe weather is de-icing. Icing occurs during severe thunderstorms and snow conditions. I remember my instructor once told me, the formation of ice on a wing the thickness of sandpaper can reduce lift by up to thirty percent. This illustrates the importance of combating such a risk at all costs. To prevent icing from occurring and mitigating the risk, aircraft have bu...