NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Airport Security Training Upgraded

The Federal Aviation Administration stiffened its hiring, training and performance standards for airline and airport security personnel, including the employees who screen passengers and luggage for weapons and explosives. The screeners must have a high school degree or other education and experience judged adequate for the job. They must speak, read and write English and have good eyesight, hearing, color perception and physical dexterity. A screener’s time at an X-ray screening station will be limited to make sure that fatigue does not diminish alertness. All employees will have to complete a training program in order to get or retain an official identification card.