Crewmember Questions and Answers
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Q. What should I expect when using a KCM access point?
A. Expect to enter the sterile area of an airport via an alternative access portal, which may be separate from the security-screening lanes. You must be in uniform and will be met by a screener who will ask for both your company identification and a TSA-accepted form of photo ID such as a passport or driver's license. The transportation security officer (i.e., screener) will match the identification to your appearance and confirm your identity and current employment status via the KCM system. Once these tasks are successfully completed, you will be allowed to proceed into the sterile area, normally with no other screening or inspection of your person or accessible property. It is possible, however, that you and your accessible property items may be selected for random physical screening. Random screening is built in as a check and balance to ensure the integrity of the KCM system. In the future, a biometric reading (e.g., a fingerprint) may also be required at the access point. Crewmembers are asked to help expedite the access process by being ready to present both forms of identification to the screener and helping them to locate the employee number on your airline ID card.
Q. What constitutes "in uniform" for using a KCM access point?
A. TSA's requirement is that crewmembers be "in uniform" to use a KCM access point. This requirement has been used by TSA for years to grant certain accommodations to crewmembers at security screening checkpoints. Crewmembers should ensure that they are appropriately attired in a uniform that meets their company's standards to help TSA screeners do their jobs quickly and expedite their passage through the access point.
Q. How long will this process take?
A. Under normal circumstances, a typical KCM transaction should require about 10 to 15 seconds. The time required to complete the process is contingent on a number of factors, such as the speed at which the system responds, or the presence and length of a queue, as other pilots may be waiting to be processed.
Q. Does KCM mean that I will never be screened in the traditional checkpoint fashion when passing through a KCM access point?
A. No. Crewmembers may be directed to passenger-screening lines as part of a random screening-selection process, or whenever the KCM access point is not operational. Should the KCM access point become inoperative, TSA security officers will direct crewmembers through passenger-screening checkpoints.
Q. What should I do if I am selected for random screening at a KCM access point?
A. Cooperate. Random screening is a normal feature of any alternative form of screening. It is incorporated for your protection and to ensure the integrity of the system.
Q. Does using KCM preclude any chance that I may be selected for additional screening after I successfully transit an access point and proceed into the sterile area of an airport?
A. No. All air-carrier employees are subject to TSA screening practices conducted within sterile areas, which include roving screening teams, random gate screening, and questioning by behavioral detection officers (BDOs). KCM does not exempt a crewmember from complying with these additional screening techniques.
Q. Will my carry-on items be inspected when I proceed through a KCM access point?
A. No, unless you are selected for random, passenger-style screening, in which case, both you and your carry-on items will be screened via traditional checkpoint screening protocols.
Q. Am I permitted to escort anyone with me through a KCM access point?
A. No. Every person who attempts to enter the sterile area of an airport via a KCM access point must be cleared individually by a screening officer.
Q. Am I permitted to transport additional carry-on items that are not my own through a KCM access point?
A. No. Crewmembers are permitted to bring only their personal carry-on items through a KCM access point. You may not transport carry-on items that are not your own when entering an airport sterile area via KCM.
Q. What should I do if the TSA cannot validate my identity and employment status at the KCM access point?
A. If the TSA cannot confirm your identity or current employment status at the KCM access point, you will be directed to the passenger-screening checkpoint in order to access the sterile area. Please follow TSA instructions and do not attempt to resolve the issue with transportation security officers, as they are unable to rectify system failures or denials. A KCM denial could result from a database error that is nonspecific to you, or it might involve a miscommunication with your air carrier. If you believe that a KCM denial occurred relative to your employment status, please enter the sterile area as directed via the passenger-screening checkpoint and, when time permits, ask your MEC/pilot group security chairman/coordinator for assistance in rectifying the situation with your carrier.
Q. Does KCM change any other TSA regulations regarding when and what types of items I may carry onboard an aircraft?
A. No. You are subject to all existing uniformed crewmember regulations regarding the types of items that may be carried onboard an aircraft. KCM does not provide any other exemptions or privileges regarding the items that you carry, other than those already articulated in TSA regulations.
Q. Why are some airlines not participating in KCM?
A. It is the goal of TSA and KCM to ultimately include all U.S. airlines in the program. KCM started as a trial program in 2011, but was approved by the TSA as a standing program in 2012 and is now available on a subscription basis to any TSA-approved airline. The more crewmembers enrolled into the KCM system when their airline commits to participating in KCM, the more that TSA can focus on unknown persons to be screened. Crewmembers should check with their MEC and airline for further information about their carrier's participation in the program.
Q. Are non-U.S. airlines involved in KCM?
A. There is no reciprocal agreement between the United States and other countries for use of KCM. There is interest in future U.S./Canadian reciprocity on KCM with the governments of both countries.
Q. Where can I submit feedback regarding KCM?
A. Questions and feedback from crewmembers should be directed to their respective airlines.
Q: When can a crewmember use the KCM access point?
A: Crewmembers must be in uniform and have required identification to use the KCM access point. The crewmember's airline also must participate in KCM in order to be eligible.
Q: Can a crewmember individually join KCM if their airline does not participate in the program?
A: No. The KCM system uses a secure connection to communicate with the participating airline's crewmember data base to determine the eligibility and employment status of the crewmember.
Q: What is the KCM barcode card used for?
A: The KCM barcode card is used to expedite the crewmember verification process at the KCM access points.
Q: What if I have not received a KCM barcode card from my participating airline?
A: You may still utilize all of the active KCM access points without a card. This includes crewmembers that may have a KCM barcode card that does not function properly at the time of scanning. The Transportation Security Officers will manually input your information into the KCM system if you do not have a functioning barcode card.
Q: My airline is participating in the KCM program; where can I get a KCM barcode card?
A: A crewmember will be issued a KCM barcode card from their participating airline management staff. Once you receive the barcode card, follow the instructions on the back to register it into the KCM system. Once registered, you may begin using the barcode card at any active KCM access point. Please remember, you must be in uniform and present your airline ID as well as a government-issued photo ID to utilize the KCM access points.
Q: Are you experiencing difficulties registering your KCM barcode card?
A: Please send an e-mail explaining your issue to kcmsupport@arinc.com.
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