Member Services

Have you noticed a poster at your local FBO promoting something called "Airport Watch"? Did you receive a brochure about 866/GA-SECURE or glance at a story on AOPA Online? If so, take another look - and memorize that telephone number. You might just need it some day.

Pilots like to think that we're all part of a big friendly community, and in most respects that's true. But increasing instances of avionics and airplane theft, along with high-profile incidents involving GA airplanes, mean that we must take an active role in protecting our airports. That's why AOPA developed the Airport Watch program, modeled on the successful Neighborhood Watch programs around the nation. Like those community efforts, Airport Watch is enlisting your help in watching for and reporting suspicious activities. Who better knows what's out of the ordinary at a local airport than the pilots who are based there?

Now you have a toll-free number - 866/GA-SECURE (866/427-3287) - that you can call if you see something amiss. This number, provided by the Transportation Security Administration, was to be operational December 2 and is monitored 24 hours a day. Operators will take your information and relay it to the appropriate authorities, so even if you're many nautical miles from your home airport, you won't have to scramble to contact local law enforcement.

What constitutes suspicious behavior these days? It could range from a stranger poking around your flying club's hangar to someone who appears to be under the control of others. (And if you witness something that looks imminently dangerous, you should call 911 immediately.) AOPA has produced a video and educational materials to help you know when to make the call.

The video was produced with the assistance of law enforcement officials. In one scenario, a pilot climbing out of her aircraft sees a man carrying a tool running from airplane to airplane. He appears to be trying to pry open an airplane door. She calls 866/GA-SECURE and reports her location. Within minutes a police officer arrives at the airport and apprehends the man.

There are 550,000 pilots in the GA community. You can do your part to keep your community safe by participating in AOPA's Airport Watch.