RP passes US-FAA surprise inspection

The Philippines passed a recent surprise inspection by agents of the United States’ Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) who boarded a US-bound Philippine Airlines plane, the Air Transportation Office (ATO) said yesterday.

"They are just checking at random if foreign airlines, especially those going to the US, are complying with the security standards. FAA is fielding its agents at random," ATO chief Adelberto Yap said.

The restrictions were imposed after three commercial planes were used in terrorist attacks in Washington and New York last Sept. 11.

The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had set security guidelines that member-countries must follow to prevent any recurrence of the terror attacks that left at least 3,500 people dead or missing.

According to Yap, he was informed by FAA that its agents are randomly boarding international planes going to the US.

And when the aircraft enter US territorial airspace, the agents identify themselves and then check the security measures on the plane.

"They are paying passengers and they make these things when the plane enters their territory. That means you are under their rules already," he added.

Yap said the FAA monitors different nations’ compliance with ICAO guidelines.

"They check if the cockpit door is closed or how the crew handles the passengers. They check if security procedures are in place," he said.

The flag carrier passed muster in the surprise inspection by FAA agents.

"That goes to show our country complies with the international standard on aviation security... Otherwise, they might not allow us to fly to the US," he added.