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Advocacy Airports, Airspace and Weather Security and Borders Security Practices for Pilots

Security Practices for Pilots

AOPA has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that uses the more than 600,000 pilots as eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious activity. The Airport Watch Program includes warning signs for airports, informational literature, and a training video to teach pilots and airport employees how to enhance security at their airports.

Lock Up

  • Utilize aircraft door locks at all times when the aircraft is unattended.
  • Consider the use of auxiliary locks to further protect aircraft from unauthorized use.
  • Consistently lock hangar doors and close security gates.
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Look Out

  • Look for anyone trying to access an aircraft through force.
  • Anyone who misuses aviation lingo.
  • Out-of-the-ordinary videotaping of aircraft or hangars.
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GA Security for Everyone

  • General Aviation TSA Security Awareness online course—This free, interactive course provides practical suggestions to help secure your aircraft from crime and possible terrorist exploitation, and to protect general aviation’s reputation by employing industry best practices. Spend approximately 30 minutes learning what you can do to improve the security of your aircraft and your airport.
  • A proactive, nationally coordinated security partnership is safeguarding America’s General Aviation aircraft and airports
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Security Resources for Pilots

  • Now more than ever, security has become part of general aviation on every level of flying or flight training. AOPA offers pilots an easy way to find the security resources they need for each portion of their flight.
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Participate with your fellow pilots in the safekeeping of general aviation’s local neighborhoods—our home airports. Report suspicious activity to 866/GA-SECURE (866/427-3287).

Learn more about using this phone number.