Arlington Municipal Airport Development Plan Arlington Airport Development Plan | Page 144

Aircraft Security: The main goal of this security enhancement is to prevent the intentional misuse of
general aviation aircraft for criminal purposes. Proper securing of aircraft is the most basic method of
enhancing general aviation airport security. Pilots should employ multiple methods of securing their
aircraft to make it as difficult as possible for an unauthorized person to gain access to it. Some basic
methods of securing a general aviation aircraft include: ensuring that door locks are consistently used
to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the aircraft; using keyed ignitions where appropri-
ate; storing the aircraft in a hangar, if available; locking hangar doors, using an auxiliary lock to further
protect aircraft from unauthorized use (i.e., propeller, throttle, and/or tie-down locks); and ensuring
that aircraft ignition keys are not stored inside the aircraft.
Community Watch Program: The vigilance of airport users is one of the most prevalent methods of
enhancing security at general aviation airports. Typically, the user population is familiar with those in-
dividuals who have a valid purpose for being on the airport property. Consequently, new faces are
quickly noticed. A watch program should include elements similar to those listed below. These rec-
ommendations are not all-inclusive. Additional measures that are specific to each airport should be
added as appropriate, including:
• Coordinate the program with all appropriate stakeholders, including airport officials, pilots, busi-
nesses, 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 emer-
gency 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.
Contact List: This involves the development of a comprehensive list of responsible personnel/agencies
to be contacted in the event of an emergency procedure. The list should be distributed to all appropri-
ate individuals. Additionally, in the event of a security incident, it is essential that first responders and
airport management have the capability to communicate. Where possible, coordinate radio communi-
cation and establish common frequencies and procedures to establish a radio communications net-
work with local law enforcement.
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