The concept of a universal access security system, in which a single identification card could be used to clear access control systems at any airport, is one of the leading issues that has bubbled to the surface in the Part 107 rewrite discussions. Universal access, industry observers say, is a hangover from the controversial debate over Part 107.14 implementation several years ago. During that debate, airport and industry groups urged the FAA to move more slowly on mandating access control systems until airports could agree on a universal standard upon which to base them. Those pleas went unheeded, and the consequences can be seen in a 1993 survey. What that means is that airline crews who move from airport to airport and require access to controlled areas must be badged for each one individually or be escorted through secured areas.
Some airline crews claim to have been experiencing delays in getting to their planes.
A 1993 site survey, however, concluded that the delays were minimal. A system now is being proposed that would allow airline crews and others needing clearance to secured areas at more than one airport to be issued a single access card that would work at all of them. This universal system either would be integrated into existing access control systems or, more likely, installed parallel to them. We wish it would have been implemented when we put in the first Part 107 systems. The only concern I have is that we go into this thing with our eyes open and be aware of what the implementation costs are going to be.