Air Transport Security Regulations Checklist

Pull the certification roster from the TSO training file and confirm initial certification, annual recurrent training, and remedial recerts after any proficiency failure. An uncertified TSO running an AIT lane or working the X-ray belt is a 1544.405 violation and the most common finding on TSA Compliance Inspections.

Run the start-of-shift verification on each ETD unit using the manufacturer test card, then confirm AIT and WTMD daily test piece detection. Attach the calibration log; gaps in the log are what TSA inspectors flag during a Special Emphasis Assessment.

Randomization must come from the lane's CRR module, not the TSO's discretion — pattern-based selection (every Nth bag, every selectee) fails audit. Document each ETD swab result in the lane log.

Verify cabin doors, cargo holds, and avionics bay are closed and that any unattended overnight aircraft has tamper-evident seals applied per the AOSSP. Note seal numbers on the aircraft security log.

Walk the cabin, lavatories, galleys, flight deck, cargo holds, and wheel wells per the AOSSP search diagram. Required before every international departure and on any flight following a security event or unattended period.

Query the TSA Known Shipper Management System (KSMS) for the tendering shipper before accepting cargo for passenger aircraft. Expired or unlisted shippers cannot tender freight under Known Shipper rules and must be routed through full physical screening.

Apply CCSP-approved methods — ETD, EDS, physical search, K-9 — at the piece level for cargo destined for passenger aircraft per 49 CFR 1544.205. Document method and operator on the cargo screening log for each piece.

Screened cargo must remain in the secure holding area under continuous surveillance or seal until uplift. A break in chain of custody — cargo left on the ramp, unsealed ULD parked outside the cage — resets the screening clock.

Capture fingerprints through the TSA-approved enrollment vendor and submit for Criminal History Records Check and Security Threat Assessment per 49 CFR 1542.209. Review the disqualifying-offense list before issuing any badge.

Provision the badge only after CHRC clearance and completion of SIDA training. Enroll fingerprint or iris biometric tied to badge ID and set the expiration to no more than two years per TSA guidance.

Cover insider threat, IED recognition, challenge procedures, and reporting of suspicious activity. Track completion in the personnel training record; failure to complete by the badge anniversary deactivates SIDA access.

Pull the prior week's access events and review tailgating alarms, anti-passback violations, and after-hours entries to non-operational zones. Flag any pattern of piggybacking for retraining or revocation.

Walk the AOA fence with a printout of camera coverage zones and confirm no blind spots from vegetation, parked GSE, or construction. Vegetation growth between quarterly walks is the most common cause of new gaps.

Compare the on-file Airport Security Program (or Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program) against the current operation; submit amendments to the Federal Security Director for any change in tenants, perimeter, or screening footprint. SSI handling rules apply to every page.

Coordinate the triennial Part 139/1542 exercise with FSD, LEO, ARFF, and tenant air carriers using a scenario from the TSA exercise library — IED at the checkpoint, active shooter, or insider threat. Capture the after-action report with corrective actions and target dates.