Growing up in the pre-9/11 era, I was fortunate to take international family vacations. Going through a commercial airport without TSA, high-sensitivity metal detectors and the spirit-deadening routines of today is something I never thought would have happened. September 11, 2001, was a turning point, of course, and governments worldwide responded, forcing flight and ground crews, and passengers, of course, to change the way they looked at securing themselves when traveling by air. One result is that those of a certain age don’t know what it’s like going to the airport without all these precautions in place. When they have an opportunity to use a general aviation airport, they’re often astonished at the freedom of movement. So why is any of this important to you?
Anyone flying from non-commercial facilities will notice that security is much more relaxed. Each airport has their security procedures, which include collaboration with ATC if the airport has a tower. In addition, fixed-based operators have their own security procedures. How about the airports that do not have a control tower or may be run by a small airport operations staff? The thing is, pilots are on the front lines of general aviation security. Yes, airport operations and ATC can also play a role but the security of the national airspace system and general aviation airports rests on the shoulders of pilots, especially when it comes to reporting suspicious activity. As a pilot, what can you do to make sure your flying experience, airport and aircraft are secure?
