MAC asking for assistance in GA Airport Security

Steve Foley forwarded a note from The Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission. MAC is asking everyone to be especially vigilant with Airport Security. In addition to indications from the TSA about security risks, there is a significant risk of attempts by the news media to demonstrate and expose any perceived lack of security. The Massachusetts State Police have also been asked to run security tests against our GA Airports.

So regardless of the actual magnitude of the terrorist threat, it is best to be on our toes to avoid any embarrassing events brought about by over zealous media or police action.

New information from Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration indicate that recently intercepted telephone traffic and other intelligence suggest that there may be an elevated risk for General Aviation Airports and the small aircraft fleet. We at the MAC have asked for your cooperation before on this matter and we are back with a new emphasis. We are now under two threats.

First, there is [the threat of] a real attempt to use a stolen aircraft in a terrorist event. Even more likely, as shown on television last week, is an attempt to demonstrate a lack of security by a media outlet. Newspapers and television stations have tried around the country and, on many occasions, have succeeded in compromising General Aviation airport's security measures. If a station is able to broadcast footage showing reporters around aircraft that are not secure, or are able to film from an Aircraft Operating Area (AOA) without being challenged, we have failed. We must be sure that people are challenged if they do not have an ID badge. This is critical. A real incident or a media manufactured incident would not speak well for general aviation security.

Please notify user groups and staff as soon as possible to:

• Lock all cockpits, remove keys from ignitions and secure aircraft from flight;
• Wear ID badge on the entire airport property and (AOA);
• Challenge anyone on a ramp (AOA) to show you an authorized ID badge;
• Report unauthorized (unbadged) people to airport management or security immediately. (This must be done when in doubt);
• If you see a film crew on the airport, ask them who they are and whether they have received permission from the airport manager to film. Ask for ID badges. If they do not produce badges, usher them off the airports and alert the local police.
• Newspaper reporters are not authorized to breach security by entering the AOA.

See a badge or see them out;

Don't allow an unidentified person to pass by you because you think challenging them is someone else's job. If you want to preserve our freedom to fly without additional burdens and restrictions being forced upon us, it is everyone's job to insist in security measures. Don't cause the general aviation industry to be impacted because you were embarrassed to ask someone for a badge or too complacent to lock your aircraft. We are all counting on each other.

Please be aware of planned security tests by the Massachusetts State Police and others. They are coming soon to your airport again, (you are now on notice).

Call us at the MAC with questions at (617) 973-8881. Do not assume anything.

Lock up and challenge everyone. Please!?