Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)

Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study G

Every year at airports like JFK, EWR, LGA, SWF, there are real and possible threats to civil aviation
security. Groups and individuals worldwide target the aviation industry and other modes of
transportation for acts of violence and terrorism. Unlawful acts against aviation include, but
are not limited to, hijacking, aircraft sabotage, bombings, and terminal assaults. The events of
September 11, 2001, changed airport security. The Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) was formed to improve airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security
under one federal agency. The TSA is the governing agency ensuring that regulated entities,
such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, adhere to all federal security
requirements.

The rules and procedures that airport employees must follow are important in preventing
unauthorized access to restricted areas and minimizing the potential for unlawful activities.
The safety of passengers depends on multiple factors, one of them being airport employees.
Everyone in the airport community works together to keep the airport safe. Our passengers
depend on every airport worker to keep them safe. Therefore, airport employees are
required to be trained of security rules and procedures. Be Aware, Be Alert, Speak up!

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, under guidance of the TSA, has developed this
training guide to assist airport employees with obtaining an Airport Security ID card in order
to work at the airport. After successful completion of the security training course, the
employee will have access to restricted areas such as the Security Identification Display
Area (SIDA), as well as the Secured and Sterile Areas of the airport according to their
company’s business need.

Security ID Card privileges, loss of employment, and penalties against the individual and the
company they represent. Other trainings (such as an airfield driver or DR-1 endorsement)
may be required for additional privileges. All personnel applying for an Airport Security ID
Card must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) and a Security
Threat Assessment (STA) prior to being issued an Airport Security ID Card.

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 This study guide is a summary of the requirements to obtain an Airport Security ID Card as
required by federal regulations. The established rules and procedures in the training course
are necessary to ensure the safety and security of all persons. Failure to comply with such
rules and regulations may result in loss of Airport

Security ID Card privileges, loss of employment, and penalties against the individual and the
company they represent. Other trainings (such as an airfield driver or DR-1 endorsement)
may be required for additional privileges. All personnel applying for an Airport Security ID
Card must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) and a Security
Threat Assessment (STA) prior to being issued an Airport Security ID Card.

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 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)

DEFINITIONS

Federal Agencies

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Provides

federal security management, passenger and baggage
screening, as well as employee screening and guidance for the
airport’s security program. TSA is the Federal agency
responsible for airport security. TSA may also screen
employees at access doors.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Regulates aviation in the United

States. Port Authority Roles

Airport Police – The Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) is

the first responder at the airports and should be your first
contact for all on-airport police, fire, and emergency situations.
You will see them throughout the airports providing police
services to protect the public.

Airport Security Manager – The Airport’s primary contact for

security-related activities, communications, training, and
compliance with TSA regulations.

Airport Areas
Public Area – Areas normally accessible to the general public, including the areas before the TS
The airport is divided into several areas depending on the level of security required.
SeeSterile
belowArea – An
for the area security
lowest of the airport
level which provides
required to the access
highest:for boarding onto and off aircraft (al

The Sterile Area begins at the TSA screening

checkpoint and extends through the terminal down to
the gate doors with access restrictions to the jet bridge
where passengers board aircraft. This area is restricted
to ticketed passengers and airport employees with
SIDA/AOA/Secured area or Sterile Area access and a
business reason to access the area. All passengers
and most airport employees must enter the Sterile Area

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Only TSA approved items may be accepted passed the screening checkpoint.An Airport

Security ID Card is required for employees to access this area and the card is BLUE.

A list of prohibited items can be found on TSA’s website or

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security- screening/whatcanibring/all. This list can be
used for general knowledge but is not part of the SIDA exam.

The SIDA, AOA, and Secured Areas at Port Authority airports are not always separated;
therefore, the AOA is usually considered a Secured Area.

Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) – A portion of the airport restricted to

authorized airport employees with proper training and other local agencies. This
area includes the Secured Area as well. In some cargo buildings, a yellow line on
the floor marks the beginning of the SIDA Area. An Airport Security ID Card is
required to enter these areas, which is colored RED.

Secured Area - Secured Areas are locations where aircraft operations occur and
includes baggage sorting and loading areas. An Airport Security ID Card is required
to enter these areas, which is colored RED.

Air Operations Area – Also known as the

AOA, is part of the SIDA and includes
aircraft movement areas, runways, aircraft
parking areas, aircraft loading ramps, and
aircraft safety areas, vehicle service roads,
any adjacent areas (such as general aviation
areas), and ramp areas outside terminals
and parts of cargo buildings. Only
employees with authorization to work in
this area will have this access. An Airport
Security ID Card is required to enter these
areas, which is colored RED.

Airfield – A part of the Air Operations Area (AOA), that supports aircraft
operations, such as runways (ground along which aircraft take off and land) and
taxiways (paved strips parallel to the runways where aircraft move from the
terminal to the end of the runway and vice versa). An Airport Security ID Card is
required to enter these areas, which is colored RED.

JFK – John F. Kennedy International TEB – Teterboro

LGA – LaGuardia

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 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)

Airport Codes:

EWR – Newark Liberty International Airport SWF – Stewart International Airport

JFK – John F. Kennedy International TEB – Teterboro

LGA – LaGuardia

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 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)

Knowledge Check (answers are provided at the end of this guide, page 12).

1. Look at the following airport images. Which area shown is the AOA? Choose
the correct answer.

A. B.

C. D.

2. Look at the following airport images. Which area shown is the Sterile Area?

A. B.

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3. Which area of the airport does this image represent?

A. SIDA/AOA/Secure Area
B. Sterile Area
C. Public Area/Landside

Components of the Airport Security ID Card

Airport Identifying Information: The name of the airport will appear on the top of the
Airport Security ID Card. Followed by the three-letter code of the airport. You are only
allowed access at that airport. The Port Authority of NY and NJ employees who have
access to all three airports (LGA, JFK, EWR) will display all three airport codes in their
Airport Security ID Card with a red background.

Expiration Date: When the Airport Security ID Card will expire, it must be renewed
annually prior to their expiration date if access is still required.

Access Color: Airport Security ID Cards have specific colors for specific areas of the
Airport. The color coding is for easy identification from a distance. The color of the card
will tell whether
Cardholder a person
Personal has “Secured”
Descriptive (RED), “Sterile
Information: Area” (BLUE), or “Snow” (GREEN
Front: Name
at JFK and LGA only) access.
Back: gender, height, eye color.

Employee Photo: Will appear in the middle of the badge, as well as a ghosted photo as an addition

Company Names: The company the employee

works for, in some instances, you may

see more than one company listed on the
Airport Security ID Card for someone who
works for multiple companies at the

Specialized Seals: If a company requires an individual to have access to US

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) areas, the Customs seal identifier will be on

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Escort and Driving Privileges: Indicate the cardholder’s ability to escort and/or drive
in SIDA/AOA/Secured areas. Only employees with one or more of these privileges
are authorized to conduct escorts or drive at the airport. EP allows the employee to
escort people only. EV allows the employee to escort vehicles and people. Airport
Security ID Cards with EV privilege will also have one of the driver codes: DR1, DR2,
or DR3.

Security Guard Functions: Employees who perform security guard functions will
have the SG identifier on their Airport Security ID Card.

Airport Security ID Cardholder Responsibilities

No Smoking in the terminals or on the main ramps and airfield. The proximity of
aircraft, fuel trucks, equipment, and terminal heating fuel storage make it extremely
dangerous to smoke or leave cigarette butts smoldering.

Report suspicious persons or activities. It is important to report unusual or

suspicious persons or activities immediately to the Port Authority Police Department
(PAPD) for investigation. It is for the safety and security of everyone at the Airport.
Be Alert. Be Aware. Speak up.

Any person issued an Airport Security ID Card MUST display the card at ALL times when
in SIDA or Sterile Area, above the waist and on the outermost garment. ID card
holders or pouches must use clear plastic and the ID must not be obscured in any
way When putting on or removing a jacket, remember to move your Airport Security
ID Card to the outermost layer of your clothing.

It is unlawful to MISUSE, LOAN, DUPLICATE, ALTER or SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA your

Airport Security ID Card or PIN. It may be a violation of federal regulations and result in
criminal prosecution and permanent revocation of your Airport Security ID Card
privileges.

The Airport Security ID Card is to be used for business purposes only. Fraudulent or
improper use of an Airport Security ID Card may result in arrest or administration
fees up to and including permanent revocation of your Airport Security ID Card. If
you are travelling as a passenger, you must:

a. access the Sterile Area only through a TSA passenger screening

checkpoint with any accessible property you intend to carry on board the

ID Card application. You are not permitted to be escorted into the Sterile Area
and/or SIDA. If you find your Airport Security ID Card after it was reported lost or
stolen, DO NOT USE IT. Immediately return the Airport Security ID Card to your
company Authorized Signatory or bring your card back to the airport credentialing

You cannot escort any individuals who already are in possession of an

Airport Security ID Card for that airport.

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aircraft.

b. also remain in the Sterile Area after entering.

If your Airport Security ID Card is lost or stolen, immediately report this situation to
your company Authorized Signatory. Your Authorized Signatory is the person who
completed your Airport Security

ID Card application. You are not permitted to be escorted into the Sterile Area
and/or SIDA. If you find your Airport Security ID Card after it was reported lost or
stolen, DO NOT USE IT. Immediately return the Airport Security ID Card to your
company Authorized Signatory or bring your card back to the airport credentialing

You cannot escort any individuals who already are in possession of an

Airport Security ID Card for that airport.

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 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

If an Airport Security ID Card has been mutilated or damaged, faded, peeled off,
expired or altered, it is considered invalid.

If your employment status on record with the Port Authority Security Credentialing
Office changes for any reason, you are required to immediately return your Airport
Security ID Card to your company Authorized Signatory.

The Airport Security ID Card is an important access tool, which must be handled
with care. A fee will be assessed for lost, stolen or non-returned Airport Security ID
Cards pursuant to Airport Security policy. A lost or stolen Airport Security ID Card may
also result in your Airport Security ID Card privileges being revoked/removed.

Screening Notice:

Any employee holding an Airport Security ID card granting access to a

SIDA/AOA/Secured or Sterile Areas may be screened at any time while gaining access
to, working in, or leaving such areas.

As an aviation worker, you are subject to screening for unauthorized weapons,

explosives, and incendiaries, and other prohibited items. Any personal property
brought into restricted areas is subject to search.

Not following the TSA/Port Authority’s aviation worker screening policy may result in
penalties, which may include removal of the Airport Security ID Card and/or
suspension/revocation of unescorted access privileges.

Sensitive Security Information (SSI)

You have numerous Airport Security ID cardholder responsibilities. By working at the

airport, you may be exposed to Sensitive Security Information (SSI) that is critical in
protecting this airport.

SSI is information that, if publicly released, would be

detrimental to transportation security, as defined by
Federal regulation 49 C.F.R. part 1520. Although SSI
is not classified information, there are specific
procedures for recognizing, marking, protecting,
do not have a need to

Sharing SSI is not allowed: Sharing this information is in direct violation of TSA
regulations and is subject to civil penalties and further enforcement action from
the TSA. If you suspect someone has shared any SSI, immediately contact your

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 safely sharing, and destroying SSI.

The information present in the SIDA training and

exam fall under SSI, and therefore should not be
shared with others who

do not have a need to

Sharing SSI is not allowed: Sharing this information is in direct violation of TSA
regulations and is subject to civil penalties and further enforcement action from
the TSA. If you suspect someone has shared any SSI, immediately contact your

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Knowledge Check

4. Can you share Sensitive Security Information with your family members who
do not have a need to know?
A. Yes
B. No

5. What do you do if your Airport Security ID Card is lost or stolen?

A. Notify your Authorized Signatory Authority and the Security
Credentialing Office immediately.
B. Immediately apply for an escort to your work area.
C. Ask a work associate to let you in the door for your shift.
D. Follow someone going through a door to get to work.

6. Who can you share Sensitive Security Information with?

A. Family, ex-coworker, friends.
B. Only those authorized with a need to know.

7. What element on the Airport Security ID Card indicates it belongs to the person holding it?
A. Airport Security ID Card has not expired.
B. Airport Security ID Card has a red bar on the right.
C. Airport indicated on the card is correct and agrees in three locations.
D. Photo on Airport Security ID Card matches the individual.

Additional SIDA Badge Privilege Responsibilities

Challenge Responsibility

Challenge Responsibility– A challenge is a request to see a valid Airport Security ID

Card or other approved credential or IDs that allows that person to be in a restricted
area of the airport. If a person does not have a valid Airport Security ID Card, or the
ID Card is expired, you must notify PAPD immediately.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CHALLENGE any individuals in the SIDA area not displaying an
Airport Security ID Card pursuant to TSA Regulations and Port Authority Airport Rules
and Regulations. DO NOT be afraid to go up to a person and ask for their Airport
Security ID card in a restricted area. As a cardholder, it is your responsibility to
challenge according to TSA regulations. Contact the local Port Authority Police,

Piggybacking – DO NOT let anyone else into restricted areas

using your Airport Security ID card. This is an illegal and
unauthorized act. The employee swiping the card for access
is responsible for that access door from the moment it
unlocks until it is locked behind them without another

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Operations, or your supervisor if you encounter any individual who refuses to
cooperate with a challenge.

Piggybacking – DO NOT let anyone else into restricted areas

using your Airport Security ID card. This is an illegal and
unauthorized act. The employee swiping the card for access
is responsible for that access door from the moment it
unlocks until it is locked behind them without another

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 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)

Each person must swipe for their own access and door holding for another person
is NOT allowed. An Airport Security ID cardholder can be fined or arrested, if their
swipe is used to let a co-worker enter a restricted area.
When entering through access doors, make sure the door closes and locks behind
you. A security violation can be issued to an Airport Security ID cardholder who
piggybacks. A cardholder may not escort another cardholder.

Never Leave Alarming Doors Unattended – When an access door alarm is triggered,
the person must stay at the access door until an authorized security representative
or PAPD arrives to investigate this triggered alarm.

Knowledge Check
8. When challenging someone, you will need to inspect and verify the Airport
Security ID card to ensure it is valid and authentic. What are some of the
elements you should check when challenging? (Select all that apply)
A. Correct access color.
B. Picture matches the individual being challenged.
C. ID is not expired.
Escort

An escort is when an employee that has

airport approval to escort people,
accompanies or monitors the activities of other
individuals who do not possess an Airport
Security ID Card.

An individual who has been denied an Airport

Security ID Card is not eligible for escort.

An airport employee conducting the escort MUST:

 Have escort privileges indicated on the ID Card
– EP or EV.
 EP indicates privilege to escort people. 1 employee can escort up to 5 individuals.
 EV plus DR1, DR2, and/or DR3 indicates privilege to escort vehicles and people. 1
employee can escort up to 2 vehicles.
 Conduct the escort for business purposes only.

 The employee must carry the approved escort form with them during
 escort.
Escorts into the Sterile Area should enter through the TSA screening
 checkpoint only and carry their government issued photo ID with them at all
times.
 During an escort people must stay in the escort’s line of sight and be close
enough to verbally communicate at all times.
 Vehicles under escort must stay in line of sight and under the control of

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 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)
 Fill out proper documentation and receive approval to conduct escort by your
Authorized Signatory.

 The employee must carry the approved escort form with them during
 escort.
Escorts into the Sterile Area should enter through the TSA screening
 checkpoint only and carry their government issued photo ID with them at all
times.
 During an escort people must stay in the escort’s line of sight and be close
enough to verbally communicate at all times.
 Vehicles under escort must stay in line of sight and under the control of

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Knowledge Check

9. Jeff, an employee with an EP escort privilege on his Airport Security ID card, is

very excited about his new job in Aircraft Maintenance at the airport. He has
invited his brother to come see him at work to try and convince him to also
work there. When his brother arrives, Jeff meets him at the Employee Access
door and lets him in to show him around. Does this follow proper procedures?
A. Yes
B. No

Violations
PENALTIES AND SUSPENSION OF AIRPORT SECURITY
ID CARD PRIVILEGES

Failure to follow any of the TSA rules, regulations

or procedures may result in fees or fines to an
individual or a company in violation. Federal
enforcement action or prosecution may also
accompany fines (up to $14,950 per infraction).

Other security violations may require that an

individual’s Airport Security ID Card be suspended
or revoked. A revocation may result in an
individual’s inclusion in the TSA’s
Centralized Revocation Database for five years from the date the violation occurred.

The Airport may revoke an individual’s ID Card privileges at any time (regardless of any previous
offenses) if the violation is severe, or if the Airport, or the TSA, believes that the person may be a
threat to the Airport’s safety and security.

Breach of Rules Program of The Port Authority

Breach of Rules (BOR) – The Port Authority has the right to revoke or remove an
Airport Security ID card if you fail at any time to comply with the TSA and/or Port
Authority rules and regulations. A security BOR is a violation notice that can be issued
to you or any Airport Security ID cardholder for several violations discussed

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throughout the SIDA course, including but not limited to:
 Not challenging an individual in the SIDA/AOA/Secured Area.
 Piggybacking.
 Improperly displaying your Airport Security ID Card.
 Improperly accessing SIDA/AOA/Secured or Sterile Areas.
 Misuse of escort privileges.

 Mutilated or damaged Airport Security ID Card.

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The Port Authority has a “three-strike policy” for BORs. Each BOR can have a
negative impact on your standing as an Airport Security ID cardholder and remains
on your profile.
 For the first BOR, you will be required to go through SIDA training again and
may have to pay an administrative fee.
 For the second BOR within a 24-month period of your first offense, you will be
required to go through SIDA training with your supervisor and may have to
pay an administrative fee.
 For a third BOR within a 24-month period of your first offense, your Airport
Security ID Card privileges will be revoked/suspended, and you will not be
allowed in any SIDA/AOA/Secured or Sterile area. Your loss of privilege remains up
to two years from the date the Port Authority takes away your privilege.

The PANYNJ may revoke/suspend an Airport Security ID card for any security violation,
regardless of the number of BORs issued to a cardholder.

The Port Authority Airport Community Watch Program – Rewards employees for
reporting crime, and suspicious activities at the airport, and irregularities with
Airport Security ID Cards. Rewards could include special recognition mentions as well
as possible cash rewards in some circumstances.

Knowledge Check

10.How many Breaches of Rules, within 24 months, will cause the removal of
your Airport Security ID Card?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

11.While returning to the SIDA area after lunch,

you notice Jeff is holding the door open for a
group of people he sat with for lunch. Should
you report this to your supervisor?
A. Yes
B. No

12.You are going through an employee access

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 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)
door, and it will not secure properly. On a
closer look, you can see it is damaged. What
action would you take?
A. Leave
B. Report it and wait at the door for security to respond

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Reminders

Never Lend Out an ID Card – Not even to a co-worker. An Airport Security ID Card is
only to be used by the individual to whom it has been issued.

Airport Security ID Cards Are the Property of the Port Authority. They may be confiscated,
de- activated, revoked, or suspended at any time. Airport Security ID Cards must be
returned to the Authorized Signatory or at a Port Authority Airport Credentialing
Office once an individual is no longer employed at the airport or no longer requires
an Airport Security ID Card.

Knowledge Check Answer Key

1. B 5. A 9. B
2. D 6. B 10.
C
3. C 7. D 11. A
4. B 8. A, B, and C 12.
B
Important Contacts