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Cockpit Door Surveillance System (CDSS)

AD Aerospace’s Retro-Fit Cockpit Door Surveillance System (CDSS) aims to improve security around the cockpit door. It allows pilots to identify anyone requesting access to the cockpit.

The cockpit door surveillance system can be supplied with either EASA STC or FAA STC approval.

The Retro-Fit CDSS system includes the following products:

  • 3 x FV-0410 video cameras which provide overt but non-obtrusive monitoring,
  • FV-0580 video transmission unit. Takes input from up to 4 analogue cameras and produce video streams suitable for viewing on displays, such as LCD monitors.
  • FV-0835 6″ LCD monitor,
  • FV-1050 control panel which is designed to be fitted in the cockpit instrument panel of a commercial aircraft.

Three cameras are located in the passenger cabin ceiling panels. One camera is installed immediately in front of the cockpit door. Once camera is above the forward passenger door and one is above the forward service door. The combination of camera locations provides full visibility of the forward passenger cabin area from in front of the passenger door, right across to the service door, including the galley area. When the pilot is checking the system to identify who is requesting access to the cockpit, it is also possible to see that there is nobody else hiding behind the toilet bulkhead or in the galley. It is also possible to identify that the person outside the galley door is not under threat or duress.

This system satisfies the requirement for a non-intrusive, non-distracting method of identification by the Captain and First Officer of who is trying to gain access to the Cockpit. Means of doing so is mandated throughout much of the globe, including by EASA. The system acts as deterrent to terrorism and air rage and helps to prevent catastrophic loss of aircraft from terrorism or revenge motivation. In summary the solution represents a low-cost option to significantly increase levels of aircraft safety and security.

Global regulators strongly recommend video systems. Many European carriers proceeded with the installation of Flight Deck Entry Video Surveillance Systems after 9/11 and before mandates were issued. ICAO Annex 6 – Part 1 – Chapter 13 – Standard 13.2.3(b) (1 Nov 2003):

“means shall be provided for monitoring from either pilot’s station the entire door area outside the flight crew compartment to identify persons requesting entry and to detect suspicious behaviour or potential threat.” This was then interpreted into the Eurocae Minimum Operating Specification ED-123. This standard describes the minimum specification for a cockpit door surveillance system.

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