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Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) definition

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 24 of 24 on Operations / Airport Operations. ACS element UA.V.B.K4 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) is best described as

  1. AThe area screened by TSA where passengers board aircraft
  2. BAny aircraft parking ramp, excluding the secured area
  3. CA portion of an airport that includes the secured area
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. A portion of an airport that includes the secured area

  • A — incorrect That matches the separate definition of a sterile area, which provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which access is generally controlled through the screening of persons and property.
  • B — incorrect That matches the air operations area, which covers aircraft movement areas, parking areas, loading ramps, and safety areas, and which expressly does not include the secured area.
  • C — correct Section 1540.5 defines a SIDA as a portion of an airport, specified in the airport security program, in which security measures are carried out, and states that this area includes the secured area and may include other areas of the airport.

BACKGROUND

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules in 49 CFR part 1540 give the security terms used at airports. A Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) is a portion of an airport, specified in the airport security program, in which the security measures of that part are carried out; it includes the secured area and may take in other parts of the airport as well. The related terms are not interchangeable: a secured area is where air carriers enplane and deplane passengers and sort and load baggage, an air operations area (AOA) covers movement, parking, ramp and safety areas but not the secured area, and a sterile area is the screened side that gives passengers access to boarding aircraft. Entering or being present in a SIDA without complying with the access control measures being applied there is prohibited. Unescorted access authority is what an airport operator, aircraft operator, foreign air carrier, or airport tenant grants so that a person may be present in a secured area or SIDA without an escort.

STUDY TIP

Learn the four area definitions in § 1540.5 side by side and anchor each one on its distinguishing clause, because the wrong answers on this topic are almost always one of the neighboring definitions. Remember the single sentence that sets the SIDA apart: it includes the secured area.

KEY POINTS

  • A SIDA is a portion of an airport named in the airport security program where security measures are carried out.
  • The SIDA includes the secured area and may include additional areas of the airport.
  • The AOA excludes the secured area and the sterile area is the screened area leading to boarding aircraft, so neither is a SIDA.

SOURCES

  • 49 CFR 1540.5
  • 49 CFR 1540.105(a)(2)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.