TSA’s Mike Irwin discusses PDX security successes, changes and goals

Mike Irwin, Portland’s Transportation Security Administration federal security director.

PDXaminer recently spoke with Mike Irwin, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) federal security director at Portland International Airport (PDX). In the interview, Irwin discusses how the TSA handled the record-setting passenger volumes experienced during the holiday travel season, and hints about some security-enhancing projects coming soon to PDX. 

How was the holiday travel season from TSA’s perspective?

We were extremely pleased with the 2005 holiday season. TSA at PDX was operating with approximately 50 fewer transportation security officers (TSOs) in 2005, as compared to 2004, but our wait times were 30 percent less, even though the passenger volumes were higher than ever. The Concourse Connector was instrumental in allowing our TSOs to move passengers between concourses, thereby reducing wait times. 

Since changes were made to TSA’s prohibited items list and screening procedures, what has it been like at the security checkpoints?

The changes have been quite transparent. Passengers are voluntarily surrendering fewer personal items, which speeds their passage through the checkpoint and allows our TSOs to focus on greater threats. 

What can the average airport employee do to help keep security checkpoint lines short?

One of the most important things that all airport employees can do is to divest themselves of any prohibited items before arriving at the checkpoint. Additionally, employees should follow the "In, Out and Off" tips—place all metal items in a bowl, take laptops out of their cases, and take coats off. 

What is your number one goal for TSA at PDX this year?

My number one goal is a healthy, efficient and proud workforce accomplishing our critical mission here at PDX. I want to make certain that our team is doing everything it can to ensure that our passenger loads continue to increase, and that these passengers feel completely safe traveling through the airport. I’m continuing to focus on reducing on-the-job injuries, and increasing attendance and morale among our screening workforce.

Are there any major projects or policies on the horizon that we should know about?

We will be partnering with the Port of Portland on the reconfiguration of the north and south security checkpoints this spring, which we hope to have completed prior to the busy summer travel season. The reconfiguration will allow for greater efficiencies as passengers traverse through the checkpoint.  

We are also working closely with Port leadership toward the implementation of a new in-line baggage system (see related article on page 1). Finally, we’ll have approximately 165 new part-time TSOs joining Team PDX this year, allowing us to meet the demands of PDX’s passenger increases. 

Port discovers surprisingly simple way to deter geese from PDX

Fewer Canada Geese are making Portland International Airport (PDX) a rest stop during migration thanks to a new deterrent method crafted by Port of Portland wildlife staff.

Canada Geese and other waterfowl commonly flock to the Port-owned agricultural field at Northeast 33rd Road and Marine Drive to feed and rest during migration. Located under the flight path of aircraft using PDX’s south runway, the avian pit stop increases the potential for birds to accidentally strike an airplane. As a solution, Port staff have implemented a surprisingly simple geese deterrent method—the installation of silt fencing.

Thanks to rows of fencing installed on property near the airport, migrating geese now look for other places to rest, making bird strikes less likely.

“Since we installed the fencing, some Canada Geese have been observed flying low over the area, but they don’t land, instead continuing their search for a more suitable resting place away from the airport,” said Sharon Gordon, Port wildlife manager.

The Port partnered with the Tournament Golf Foundation to install and maintain the silt fencing. The foundation uses the field for parking during their annual golf tournament.

Port employees test water-saving device in airport offices

Port of Portland building maintenance plumber Bob Gagliasso demonstrates one of the water-saving devices installed recently in some airport rest rooms.

Port of Portland employees at Portland International Airport (PDX) now have a unique opportunity to help conserve water.

In January 2006, PDX became among the first facilities in the nation to test Sloan Valve Company’s newest product—a flushing valve allowing users to decide how much water is needed to flush a toilet. To flush solid waste, users push down on the special anti-microbial toilet handle to release about three gallons of water for a full flush. To flush liquid waste, users can pull up the handle and release only about two gallons of water—a savings of more than 30 percent.

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