Orlando Int’l (MCO) joined the growing list of airports participating in the Known Crewmember (KCM) program. As of 4 a.m. today, crewmembers could begin using the KCM access point at the B-side entry of the west security checkpoint of MCO, which will be open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

“Best news I’ve heard all day,” said an American Eagle pilot passing through the risk-based screening system. KCM allows TSA officers to verify the identity and employment status of crewmembers from the 39 airlines participating in the program. In addition to Eagle, pilots from AirTran, Delta, United, and non-ALPA pilot groups used the MCO access point today. To date, more than 4 million crewmembers have been alternately screened through KCM or the previous CrewPASS demo.

MCO is the 29th airport to participate in the program. Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l (FLL) have also been approved to join, and dozens more are expected in the future.

“Anything that we can use to get through security a little easier is excellent,” said AirTran F/O Matt Griffin. “It’s a fantastic program and extremely easy to use, especially with the barcode card. Being able to show up after an overnight and avoid a long line like this is wonderful. We wish it was everywhere.”

Pilots are encouraged to obtain and register KCM barcode cards from their airlines as soon as possible. By doing so, they will assist with expediting the process at all KCM locations.

“It's fantastic. We can get through in seconds. I’m never late for a flight,” said AirTran Capt. Clark Trobaugh. “It’s nice to be trusted as a professional flightcrew member.”

Visit www.knowncrewmember.org to obtain a complete list of airports and airlines participating in the KCM program. Pilots can also select the “KCM” tab on the ALPA smartphone app for iPhones and Droids for KCM details.