The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has developed the following security enhancements for implementation at the airports located inside the recently established "enhanced" Class B (ECB) airspace. A companion plan for operational restrictions was submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 10, 2001.
The need for VFR flying in the 30 areas of ECB airspace includes:
- 90 percent of all general aviation operations are VFR
- 282 public-use airports are affected by the ECB
- 22 million annual operations occur at the affected airports
- 41,000 aircraft are located at airports inside ECB
- 120,000 pilots operate at airports inside ECB
- Fixed cost of aircraft ownership continues to accrue (principle/interest, insurance, hangar/tiedown, annual maintenance inspection)
- Aviation businesses at affected airports are facing bankruptcy
AOPA recommends the following security measures for airports located within ECB airspace:
Facilities
- Utilize local law enforcement
- Periodic patrols of the airport
- Transient (non-based) pilots register aircraft with airport/fixed-base operator (FBO) upon arrival and notify at departure
- Post contact information to report suspicious activity/emergencies
Airport businesses/flight schools/flying clubs
- Verify identity of all aircraft renters through photo ID
- Only authorized personnel dispatch keys to rental/flying club aircraft
- Aircraft remain locked/secured when unattended
- Refueling vehicles remain locked/secured when unattended
Individual aircraft owners
- Use of anti-theft devices/lockable control surface devices
- Locks on hangars to protect from unauthorized entry
- Secure aircraft/remove keys when unattended
- Encourage pilots to escort visitors at all times
- Aircraft departing for extended periods of time should notify airport management/FBO
Voluntary airport community watch program
- Coordinated locally by pilots/airport officials
- Establish a community monitoring "network"
- Encourage proactive participation in:
- Aircraft security
- Facility security
- Heightened awareness
- Post signs promoting the program warning that the airport is watched
- Provide training for suspicious activity and appropriate response tactics
- Utilize law enforcement personnel for airport community education
- Periodic meetings of airport community
Topics:
ADS-B
