Secondary Cockpit Barrier Now Required on New Commercial Aircraft

Pilot groups applaud the new FAA security requirement.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 02:57 PM ET

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The FAA is now requiring all new commercial aircraft to have a secondary barrier on the flight deck. [Credit: Kenny Eliason/ Unsplash]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA now requires all new commercial aircraft to install physical secondary barriers on the flight deck to enhance security.
These barriers are designed to prevent unauthorized intrusion when the main flight deck door is opened during flight (e.g., for crew breaks or meal service).
The rule is a direct result of lessons learned from 9/11, a priority for the Biden administration, and has broad support from airlines, pilot unions, and manufacturers.
It applies to aircraft manufactured two years after the rule's effective date, with further calls for retrofitting existing aircraft and installing barriers on cargo planes.

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The FAA is now requiring all new commercial aircraft to have a secondary barrier on the flight deck in order to ensure the safety of aircraft, flight crew, and air passengers.

The first lockable flight deck doors were installed in response to the hijackings of September 11, 2001. The final rule mandating the additional barrier will protect flight decks from intrusion when the flight deck door is open.