Aircraft Renters:
- The identity of an individual renting an aircraft should be verified by checking an individual’s government-issued photo ID as well as his or her airman certificate and current medical certificate necessary for that operation.
- In addition to any aircraft-specific operational and training requirements, a first-time rental customer should be familiarized with local airport operations, including security procedures used at the facility.
- Operators providing rental aircraft should be vigilant for suspicious activities and report them to appropriate officials.
Aircraft:
- Ensuring that door locks are consistently used to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the aircraft.
- Using keyed ignitions where appropriate.
- Storing the aircraft in a hangar, if available, and locking hangar doors.
- Using an auxiliary lock to further protect aircraft from unauthorized use. Commercially available options for auxiliary locks include locks for propellers, throttle, and tie-downs.
- Ensuring that aircraft ignition keys are not stored inside the aircraft.
Airport Community Watch Program:
If possible, establish an airport community watch program-
- Coordinate the program with all appropriate stakeholders including airport officials, pilots, businesses and/or other airport users.
- Hold periodic meetings with the airport community.
- Develop and circulate reporting procedures to all who have a regular presence on the airport.
- Encourage proactive participation in aircraft and facility security and heightened awareness measures. This should include encouraging airport and line staff to ‘query’ unknowns on ramps, near aircraft, etc.
- Post signs promoting the program, warning that the airport is watched. Include appropriate emergency phone numbers on the sign.
- Install a bulletin board for posting security information and meeting notices.
- Provide training to all involved for recognizing suspicious activity and appropriate response tactics. This could include the use of a video or other media for training. The following are some recommended training topics:
- Aircraft with unusual or unauthorized modifications.
- Persons loitering for extended periods in the vicinity of parked aircraft, in pilot lounges, or other areas deemed inappropriate.
- Pilots who appear to be under the control of another person.
- Persons wishing to rent aircraft without presenting proper credentials or identification.
- Persons who present apparently valid credentials but who do not display a corresponding level of aviation knowledge.
- Any pilot who makes threats or statements inconsistent with normal uses of aircraft.
- Events or circumstances that do not fit the pattern of lawful, normal activity at an airport.
- Utilize local law enforcement for airport security community education.
- Encourage tenants to make their staff aware of the airport watch programs.