Tue, Nov 25, 2003
More Restrictions Could Be On The Way
AOPA tells ANN that the Department
of Homeland Security told them that it will be issuing an alert
that al Qaeda may soon again attack "U.S. interests," most likely
overseas. There is nothing specific to general aviation, but in a
related advisory, the Transportation Security Administration urged
pilots to review and follow the AOPA Airport Watch guidelines, and
remain vigilant.
The TSA advisory says DHS continues to receive high volumes of
intelligence about possible terrorist attacks against the U.S. or
U.S. interests overseas. "These significant terrorist related
activities have created an atmosphere in which increased vigilance
is prudent and may be key to deterring or disrupting terrorist
attacks against U.S. interests at home and abroad," the advisory
reads.
The current advisory also asks pilots and GA airport personnel
to review security precautions outlined in an earlier TSA advisory,
and that passenger-carrying GA pilots:
- Verify identity of all individuals allowed near or on
aircraft
- Search all aircraft prior to loading of cargo to ensure no
unauthorized persons are on board
- Be aware/alert of persons loitering in the vicinity of aircraft
or air operations areas-as well as persons loading unusual or
unauthorized payload onto aircraft.
For cargo-carrying GA pilots, the advisory recommends:
-
Verify identity of all individuals
allowed near or on aircraft
- Search all aircraft prior to loading of cargo to ensure no
unauthorized persons are on board
- Do not transport persons not required for the safe operations
of the flight
- Search all cargo capable of concealing individuals-pay
particular attention to cargo that has unusual holes or openings
that may have been installed to allow free flow of air,
- Be aware/alert of persons loitering in the vicinity of aircraft
or air operations areas-as well as persons loading unusual or
unauthorized payload onto aircraft.
Anyone who does see any suspicious activity is asked to report
it by calling 866-GA-SECURE (866-227-3287), the toll free hotline
instituted by TSA to support AOPA's Airport Watch.
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