Aircraft Ownership
Threat of aircraft theft heightened
Pilots and aircraft owners should follow the tips in AOPA’s Airport Watch Program to secure their aircraft.
The Aviation Crime Prevention Institute issued an industry alert on March 17 regarding an immediate threat of theft for “King Air models, Caravans, and medium/heavy Cessna cabin-class twins.”
The increased threat is a result of the Mexican government’s crackdown on aircraft used for illegal trafficking, the institute confirmed with U.S. law enforcement. AOPA warns pilots that all aircraft, not just larger airplanes, are subject to theft.
Pilots should always lock their aircraft and hangars, close airport security gates, and be vigilant for anyone behaving suspiciously at the airport.
March 20, 2008
