Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

Security Identification Display

Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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.

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.

1
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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

The airport is divided into several areas depending on the level of security required. See below for
the lowest security level required to the highest:

Public Area – Areas normally accessible to the general public,

including the areas before the TSA Passenger Screening
Checkpoint within the terminal, other cargo and hangar buildings,
parking lots and roadways.

Sterile Area – An area of the airport which provides access for

boarding onto and off aircraft (also referred to as the gate area).
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 after being screened
at a TSA security checkpoint.

2
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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.

Airport Codes:

EWR – Newark Liberty International Airport SWF – Stewart International Airport

JFK – John F. Kennedy International Airport TEB – Teterboro Airport

LGA – LaGuardia Airport

3
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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.

C. D.

4
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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 a person
has “Secured” (RED), “Sterile Area” (BLUE), or “Snow” (GREEN at JFK and LGA only) access.

Cardholder Personal Descriptive Information:

Front: Name
Back: gender, height, eye color.

Employee Photo: Will appear in the middle of the

badge, as well as a ghosted photo as an additional
security feature.

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 airport.

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 their Airport Security ID Card.

5
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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 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 office.

You cannot escort any individuals who already are in possession of an Airport Security ID
Card for that airport.

6
 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, 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 know.

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 Authorized Signatory and your Supervisor.

7
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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, 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
person entering.

8
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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.
• 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 the escort at all
times.
• DO NOT walk away from escorted people or vehicles at any time.

9
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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 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.

10
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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 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

11
 Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Study Guide

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

12