Utilizing the approximately ten thousand eyes of South Africa’s pilots would contribute greatly toward the security of our skies and airports – not to mention maintaining the freedom of GA.

 

 

SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

 

The AOPA Airport Watch program has implemented a GA Hotline 0717199816.  The hotline serves as a centralized reporting system for GA pilots, airport operators, and maintenance technicians to report suspicious activity at their airfield.  AOPA Airport Watch has established lines of communication will be able to immediately contact the relevant authorities to deal with the threat.

Lock Up – Secure Your Aeroplane

·  Become familiar with and practice existing airport security procedures.

·  Utilize aircraft door locks at all times when the aircraft is unattended.

·  Consider the use of auxiliary locks to further protect aircraft from unauthorized use.

·  Consistently lock hangar doors and close security gates to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.

·  Properly secure ignition keys separate from aircraft.

Security begins with your own aircraft. Crime usually happens because of opportunity, while terrorism is generally pre-planned and choreographed. Don't ever make it easy for either. Similar actions can be taken to avoid both crime and terrorism. Always secure your aircraft. Most pilots do this by locking the aircraft's doors, regardless of whether the aircraft is hangared or tied down outside.

Many owners already use auxiliary locks to further protect their aircraft from unauthorized use. If you don't, consider how much less expensive it is to add a lock than to have someone steal your aircraft. Options available include a variety of locks for propellers, throttle, and prop controls. Pilot supply catalogs have a wide range of products to deter tampering and the theft of your aircraft.

Once your aircraft is locked, take home all your keys—aircraft, hangar, and auxiliary locks. To make it as difficult as possible for someone to gain access to your aircraft, you might want to consider whether you keep your aircraft key on the same keychain as your hangar key. Little changes can make all the difference.

Look Out

• Anyone trying to access an aircraft through force—without keys, using a crowbar or screwdriver.
• Anyone unfamiliar with aviation procedures trying to check out an aircraft.
• Anyone who misuses aviation lingo—or seems too eager to use all the lingo.
• People or groups determined to keep to themselves.
• Anyone who appears to be just loitering, with no specific reason for being there.
• Out-of-the-ordinary videotaping of aircraft or hangars
• Dangerous cargo or loads—explosives, chemicals, openly displayed weapons—being loaded into an aircraft.
• Anything that strikes you as wrong—listen to your gut instinct, and then follow through.
• Pay special attention to height, weight, and the individual's clothing or other identifiable traits.
• Any pilot or student pilot who seems depressed or has suffered emotional hardship and expresses suicidal or reckless ideations.

Provide details: Be specific in details whenever you report something amiss to authorities or the GA Hotline.  Generalized concerns (e.g., "That guy looked shifty to me.") may not carry the appropriate sense of urgency.  Be alert, report aircraft with unusual or obviously unauthorized modifications, and people or groups who seem determined to keep to themselves.

Details carry weight: "I'm at the Anytown Municipal Airport and just saw something dangerous loaded into a tan-and-orange airplane with tail number ZS-XXX.  The pilot seems to be intimidated by his passengers; the passengers are keeping out of sight.  I think something bad is about to happen." Pay attention to height, weight, clothing, or other identifiable traits.

Never approach someone you fear may be about to commit an illegal act or crime.  Make some notes, such as the person's appearance, clothing, car number plate, type of aircraft, registration, and colouring. If appropriate, take a picture, but keep your distance if the situation seems hostile. If you can't safely contact authorities or the airport management without exposing yourself to risk, leave the field or go to your car and talk on your cell phone. It could be your best weapon in fighting airport crime.

Together we can make general aviation an unattractive option to terrorists or criminals!

 

DEALING WITH THE AUTHORITIES

 

Wherever possible comply with the restrictions.  Do not challenge police officers.  They did not make the rules and may respond violently.  If SAPS or SAAF officers attempt to interfere with legitimate aviation activities, call the GA Hotline and provide as much information as possible.

 

AOPA has considerable resources available and officers who unlawfully interfere with your rights and legitimate activities will be arrested by AOPA’s security officers and duly prosecuted.  Where appropriate, AOPA will assist in interdicting persons who overstep their authority and will also help with claims for losses which may be suffered as a result of over-zealousness.