The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration issued an advisory with security information for the general aviation industry on Sept. 3. The advisory is stated below in its entirety.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration continue to monitor reports on potential terrorist threats in the U.S. While there is no specific or credible intelligence that al-Qa'ida or its affiliates are plotting attacks in the U.S. to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, we remain at a heightened state of vigilance, and security measures are in place to detect and prevent plots against the U.S. should they emerge.
TSA reminds the general aviation community to review the security measures contained in the TSA Information Publication, Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports, available online at
http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/security_guidelines_for_general_aviation_airports.pdf
In addition, the GA community is encouraged to:
- Secure unattended aircraft to prevent unauthorized use.
- Verify the identification of crew and passengers prior to departure.
- Verify that baggage and cargo are known to the persons on board.
- Where identification systems are in place, encourage employees to wear proper identification.
- Be alert, aware of, and report persons masquerading as pilots, security personnel, emergency medical technicians or other personnel using uniforms or vehicles as methods to gain access to aviation facilities or aircraft.
- Be alert, aware of, and report aircraft with unusual or unauthorized modifications.
- Be alert, aware of, and report persons loitering in the vicinity of aircraft or air operations areas, as well as persons loading unusual or unauthorized payload onto aircraft.
- Be alert, aware of, and report persons who appear to be under stress or the control of other persons.
- Be alert, aware of, and report persons whose identification appears altered or inconsistent.
- Aircraft operators are reminded to check all NOTAMs for the latest information on Temporary Flight Restrictions.
The theft of any GA aircraft should be immediately reported to the appropriate authorities and the TSA General Aviation Hotline at 866-GA-SECURE (866-427-3287). In addition, persons should report any suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement and the TSA General Aviation Hotline. "If You See Something. Say Something."