Caution Advised for Flight Schools

Filed in archive Safety on October 2, 2006

After a report of suspicious activities at flight schools, the Transportation Security Administration's investigation determined the incidents were not terrorist related. The TSA nonetheless requests that airport managers, flight schools, training providers, and aircraft operators continue to look out for suspicious activities.

The TSA urges general aviation aircraft and airport owners and operators to keep the following in mind:

• 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 and challenge persons not wearing proper identification.
  


• Direct increased vigilance to unknown pilots and/or clients for aircraft rental or charters - as well as unknown service/delivery personnel.
  


• Be alert/aware of and report persons masquerading as pilots, security personnel, emergency medical technicians, or other personnel using uniforms and/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.

Visit the TSA's Web site for links to the documents: "Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports" and the "Airport Watch Program" for detailed information.