Government Advocacy
TSA calls on GA pilots to stop unauthorized aircraft use
The prevention of unauthorized aircraft use is an issue at the forefront of concern for the Department of Homeland Security.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week released specific recommendations for GA pilots and fixed-base operators.
These recommendations include securing aircraft by using a secondary locking mechanism (hangar, prop lock, throttle lock, etc.) and being alert for and reporting suspicious activity to the TSA’s hotline, 866/GA-SECURE (866/427-3287). Much like AOPA’s Airport Watch Program, the recommendations center on practical, common-sense security precautions.
“There’s nothing that gets security officials in Washington, D.C., more anxious than the unauthorized use of a GA aircraft, even though that scenario is extremely rare,” said Craig Spence, AOPA vice president of aviation security. “That’s why pilots need to make sure they secure their aircraft, which will protect their investments, the GA community, and the nation.”
Pilot participation is an essential part of the plan to keep security guidelines voluntary.
September 4, 2008
