Patent ID: 7024023

Claim:
A security mechanism for identifying authorized users and reacting to detection of unauthorized users during all phases of an aircraft flight, the system comprising: a controller operable by a user; a security device to read information associated with the user attempting to operate the controller, the security device being located so as to be able to read the information at any time while the user is attempting to operate the controller; and one or more monitoring devices storing information as to all users authorized to operate the controller and comparing the information of the user attempting to operate the controller against the stored information as to all authorized users to determine whether the user is authorized to operate the controller, the stored information having been loaded into the monitoring device prior to flight; the one or more monitoring devices being operable to disable the controller and engage an autopilot if an unauthorized user is detected at the controller at any time during all phases of an aircraft flight, comprising starting up of the aircraft, movement of the aircraft from a fixed position, take-off or landing of the aircraft, taxiing of the aircraft as well as in the air flight.