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AOPA's Airport Watch is a program designed to enhance security at general aviation airports. It was developed in consultation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other law enforcement agencies. The program is patterned after neighbourhood watch anti-crime programs and calls on pilots and airport workers to note and report suspicious activity. Some of the things pilots are asked to look out for include people trying to access aircraft by force, people unfamiliar with aviation procedures, people misusing aviation lingo, and people who seem determined to keep to themselves. The TSA provides a national, toll-free security hotline and a centralised reporting system for collecting information from pilots and quickly dispersing it to law enforcement agencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To enhance security at general aviation (GA) airports across the country |
| Who is it for? | Pilots and airport workers |
| Number of pilots and airport workers asked to participate | 700,000 |
| Number of GA airports | 5,000 |
| Reporting | Pilots and airport workers are asked to report suspicious activity through a 24/7 hotline (866/GA-SECURE or 866/427-3287) |
| Hotline provided by | The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
| Brochure | AOPA sent the Airport Watch brochure to each of its more than 393,000 members |
| Window decal | Pilots received a window decal to display on their planes declaring that this aircraft is part of AOPA's Airport Watch |
| Training video | AOPA produced a training video to teach pilots and airport employees how to enhance security at their airports |
| Other security measures | ID checks, improved fencing, and the stationing of law enforcement personnel |
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What You'll Learn
AOPA's Airport Watch is a volunteer program
The program is modelled after successful neighbourhood watch anti-crime initiatives, where community members are asked to note and report any suspicious behaviour. Similarly, Airport Watch provides pilots and airport staff with the tools and guidelines to identify and report potential security threats. This includes warning signs, informational literature, and a training video that educates participants on how to enhance airport security. Additionally, the TSA provides a national, toll-free security hotline and a centralized reporting system. This system allows for the quick dispersal of information from pilots to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, making it a key component of the program's success.
AOPA has committed significant resources to the production and distribution of Airport Watch materials. In addition to sending the Airport Watch brochure to its members, AOPA has also produced a videotape that introduces scenarios depicting suspicious activities that warrant a call to authorities. This proactive approach to security encourages vigilance and personal responsibility among pilots and airport workers.
The Airport Watch Program provides specific guidelines on what to look out for and report. This includes pilots who appear to be under the control of others, individuals attempting to forcibly enter an aircraft, and anyone unfamiliar with aviation procedures attempting to rent or check out an aircraft. Other suspicious activities to note are the misuse of aviation lingo, people or groups who keep to themselves, and unauthorized modifications to aircraft. Participants are advised to pay attention to details such as height, weight, clothing, and other identifiable traits when observing potential security threats. It is important to note that while these factors may raise suspicion, none of them necessarily indicate terrorist activities.
By participating in AOPA's Airport Watch volunteer program, pilots and airport workers can play a crucial role in safeguarding their local airports and contributing to national security. This collaborative effort between AOPA, the TSA, and the aviation community demonstrates a collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of America's GA airports.
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Pilots are educated on security issues
AOPA's Airport Watch is an integrated program to educate and involve pilots in enhancing general aviation security. Since the 9/11 attacks, AOPA has used its media outlets to educate pilots about security issues and to encourage pilot vigilance at airports. AOPA has committed almost half a million dollars to the production and distribution of Airport Watch materials, including brochures, checklists, and a training video. The brochure outlines suspicious activities that may warrant a call to authorities, such as:
- Pilots who appear to be under the control of others
- Anyone trying to access an aircraft through force, without keys, or by using a crowbar or screwdriver
- Anyone unfamiliar with aviation procedures trying to rent or check out an aircraft
- People or groups who seem determined to keep to themselves
- Anyone misusing aviation lingo or seeming too eager to use it
- Any members of your airport neighbourhood who work to avoid contact with you or other airport tenants
- Anyone who appears to be just loitering, with no specific reason for being there
- Out-of-the-ordinary videotaping of aircraft or hangars
- Aircraft with unusual or obviously unauthorized modifications
- Dangerous cargo or loads, such as explosives, chemicals, or openly displayed weapons being loaded onto an airplane
Pilots are also advised to pay attention to details such as height, weight, clothing, or other identifiable traits of suspicious individuals, as well as take notes or pictures if possible, while maintaining a safe distance. AOPA's Airport Watch program is a volunteer initiative that empowers pilots to be the eyes and ears for law enforcement in their aviation community, working together with various agencies to deploy a multi-layered system of security procedures to identify and prevent potential acts of terror.
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Suspicious activity is reported to a 24/7 hotline
AOPA's Airport Watch is a volunteer program that aims to enhance security at general aviation (GA) airports across the country. The program is based on the successful neighbourhood watch anti-crime initiatives, where community members are encouraged to note and report suspicious activities.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and AOPA have partnered to deploy this national security enhancement program. As part of the program, pilots and airport workers are asked to participate in Airport Watch initiatives at GA airports. This includes watching for and reporting suspicious activities to a 24/7 hotline. The hotline is answered by federal authorities and is a key component of the program.
The hotline number is 866/GA-SECURE or 866/427-3287. It is toll-free and allows pilots and airport users to report suspicious activities directly to the authorities. This helps to quickly disperse information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Since 2005, the GA Secure Hotline has received 345 phone calls, resulting in reports of various incidents, including unsecured airport gates and criminal activities taking place at the time of the call.
Pilots and airport workers are encouraged to follow their gut instincts and use common sense when reporting suspicious activities. They are also provided with educational materials, warning signs, informational literature, and training videos to help them identify and report potential security threats. This includes guidance on what to look for and how to safely contact authorities without exposing themselves to risk. Details such as height, weight, clothing, or other identifiable traits are important to note when reporting suspicious activities.
By participating in the Airport Watch program, pilots and airport workers can help make general aviation airports safer and more secure. It empowers them to take an active role in enhancing security and protecting their freedom to fly.
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Pilots are the eyes and ears for law enforcement
Pilots are in a unique position to observe and report suspicious activity at airports. As part of the Airport Watch program, they are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour, such as people trying to access an aircraft by force, individuals who seem unfamiliar with aviation procedures, or aircraft with unusual modifications. Pilots are also asked to take precautions to safeguard their aircraft, such as locking their planes and keeping their keys secure.
The Airport Watch program provides pilots with educational materials, including warning signs, informational literature, and a training video. These materials help pilots to identify potential threats and enhance security at their airports. The program also includes a national, toll-free security hotline and a centralized reporting system, allowing pilots to quickly and easily report any suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
By participating in the Airport Watch program, pilots can help to protect their airports and ensure the safety of their fellow pilots and airport staff. It is a voluntary program, and pilots are encouraged to use their gut instincts and common sense when deciding what to report. The program aims to raise awareness of potential threats without spreading paranoia.
Pilots are encouraged to pay attention to details such as height, weight, clothing, and other identifiable traits when observing suspicious individuals. They should also make note of any relevant information, such as car license plates, aircraft types, and N numbers. If safe to do so, pilots can also take pictures of suspicious activity, but they are advised to keep their distance and prioritize their safety.
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The program is modelled after neighbourhood watch programs
AOPA's Airport Watch is a volunteer program that was developed in consultation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to educate and involve pilots in enhancing security at general aviation (GA) airports across the country. It is modelled after neighbourhood watch programs, which call on community members to note and report suspicious activity.
Airport Watch asks pilots and airport workers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity at airports. This includes watching out for pilots who appear to be under the control of others, anyone trying to forcibly enter an aircraft, anyone unfamiliar with aviation procedures attempting to rent an aircraft, and aircraft with unusual or unauthorized modifications. Pilots are also encouraged to pay attention to details such as height, weight, clothing, or other identifiable traits of suspicious individuals and to make notes or take pictures if possible, while maintaining a safe distance.
The program provides a national, toll-free security hotline, 866/GA-SECURE (866/427-3287), answered by federal authorities, where pilots and airport users can report suspicious activities. This hotline is a key component of the program, allowing for quick dispersal of information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
In addition to the hotline, Airport Watch has produced educational materials, including a brochure, a training video, and warning signs for airports, to help pilots and airport employees enhance security. These materials outline potential warning signs and provide guidance on what to watch and listen for.
By partnering with the TSA and leveraging the expertise of pilots and airport workers, AOPA's Airport Watch program aims to strengthen security at GA airports and protect the nation's aviation community from potential threats.
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Frequently asked questions
AOPA's Airport Watch is a program to enhance security at general aviation (GA) airports across the country. It was developed in consultation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other law enforcement agencies.
AOPA stands for Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
The Airport Watch program is patterned after the neighbourhood watch anti-crime programs. It calls on community members, specifically pilots, to note and report suspicious activity at airports.
Some examples of suspicious activity include people who appear to be under the control of others, anyone trying to access an aircraft through force (e.g., using a crowbar or screwdriver), anyone unfamiliar with aviation procedures trying to rent an aircraft, people who misuse aviation lingo or seem too eager to use it, and people who are determined to keep to themselves.
Suspicious activity can be reported to the authorities through a 24/7 hotline: 866/GA-SECURE (866/427-3287).
