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[As the nation's air traffic system slowly returns to full operational levels, significant enhancements to ramp security procedures may be encountered. The procedures outlined below in Signature's letter to its customers are representative of what pilots might expect in many locations—Ed.]
Dear Valued Signature Customer:
This week our country and citizens were the target of a senseless and unspeakable act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
As a result of this tragic incident, Signature has implemented a plan of heightened security at all of its facilities to protect our customers, their guests, and employees. We will do everything possible to minimize your inconvenience, but you may face some additional delays for which we apologize in advance.
- Where airport regulations permit, we have hired outside security personnel to patrol access to our facility and the ramp where aircraft are parked. Where airport regulations do not permit the use of outside security, we will use trained Signature employees.
- For transient customers, Signature has implemented a special security system in which a code will be issued to the crew upon their arrival and must be presented to return to the aircraft.
- Flight crews will be required to identify themselves to Signature with their pilot license and government-issued photo identification (such as passport or driver's license) before exiting our terminals to the ramp area.
- Signature will require flight crews to identify all passengers on their aircraft before exiting to the aircraft.
- Signature employees will be required to escort flight crews and their passengers to their respective aircraft. All flight crews and passengers will be required to walk directly, and as a group, to their aircraft and not delay entering their aircraft. At certain airports, where escorting the crew and passengers is unfeasible, dedicated employees will be stationed on each ramp with binoculars and radios to provide line-of-sight surveillance of all ramp activity.
- Disembarking passengers on arriving aircraft will be escorted by Signature employees to the Signature terminal.
- No cars, limousines, taxis, rental cars, vendor vehicles, or other vehicles will be allowed on the Signature ramp.
- All curbside vehicles will be required to drop their passengers at the Signature terminal and then immediately move from the terminal.
The security of our customers, guests, and employees is extremely important to our company. These security procedures are being implemented immediately and will remain in force until permanent security procedures are in place. We hope that these steps will continue to assure you of our commitment to a safe and secure environment for all of our customers and employees.
These new operating procedures will be posted at all of our facilities and on the Signature Web site. We appreciate your cooperation and welcome any suggestions you may have.
Best Regards,
Elizabeth A. Haskins
September 14, 2001
