When you are at an aerodrome or navigation installation, someone might search you or your things. You might wonder when they can do this without asking you first. They can search an unattended thing, like a bag, without your consent.

If an aviation security officer thinks there is a big risk to aviation safety and security, they can search you or your things without asking. They must think the risk is happening now and needs to be fixed straight away. This means they can search things, but not people, without consent in an emergency.

This rule is important, even if other laws say something different, like the Aviation Crimes Act 1972, which you can read more about on the legislation website. It helps keep everyone safe when they are flying or at an aerodrome. You should know that this rule is part of the Civil Aviation Act 2023, which has more information about searching powers at aerodromes and navigation installations, found in section 141.