Security at Valkaria Airport depends on YOU... the police can't be everywhere at once!

Here's a partial list of the kinds of things to look out for:

• Anyone unfamiliar with aviation procedures trying to check out an aircraft.
• Anyone who misuses aviation lingo, or seems too eager to use all the lingo.
• People or groups determined to keep to themselves.
• Anyone trying to access an aircraft through force - without keys, using a crowbar or screwdriver.
• Dangerous cargo or loads - explosives, chemicals, openly displayed weapons, etc. - being loaded into an aircraft.
• Anything that strikes you as wrong - listen to your gut instinct, and then follow through.
• Pay special attention to height, weight, and the individual's clothing or other identifiable traits. Get a license plate number if possible.

Security Problems at Valkaria Airport

Just to give you an idea of how serious these things might be, the following security threats have actually occurred recently at Valkaria Airport, were investigated by the FBI and other law enforcement entities, and were in fact determined to pose a threat to aviation. Sadly, a few folks HATE Valkaria Airport and have a long history of doing anything possible to interfere with operations there, including illegal activities. Please be extremely vigilant for these activities. The pilot community would much rather someone call in a report that turns out to be a misunderstanding than to risk one of these people succeeding in doing something that might cause someone to get hurt or killed. If in doubt, call it in!

• Out-of-the-ordinary videotaping of aircraft, hangars, fences, or people at the airport.
• Anyone entering hangars or other areas to "just look around" while recording video or taking notes.
• Anyone placing suspicious objects onto airport property - in trees, bushes, fenceposts, on the ground, etc.
• Anyone who is attempting to hide in vegetation, in trees, behind buildings, in vehicles, etc. for the purpose of observing airport activities without being seen.
• Anyone trespassing into restricted areas, or who is in areas that you wouldn't normally see someone.
• Making any type of threats against aircraft, pilots, or aircraft owners.
• People working hard to "catch" pilots "breaking the rules", or bragging about having caused pilots to get into trouble.
• Anyone who appears to be just loitering, with no specific reason for being there.

Whether the threat comes from foreign terrorists or aggressive anti-aviation activists, airport security is of great concern to all citizens. While nobody should be afraid to enjoy using their airport, it's still important that all users keep a sharp eye out for trouble, and to have an attitude of active awareness towards what's going on around you. The best defense is your own awareness and good old common sense!

Provide Details:

Be specific in details whenever you report something amiss to authorities. Generalized concerns (e.g., "That guy looked shifty to me") may not carry the appropriate sense of urgency. Be alert, report aircraft with unusual or obviously unauthorized modifications, and people or groups who seem determined to keep to themselves.

Details carry weight:

"I'm at the Anytown Municipal Airport and just saw something dangerous loaded into a tan-and-orange airplane with tail number N1234. The pilot seems to be intimidated by his passengers; the passengers are keeping out of sight. I think something bad is about to happen." Pay attention to height, weight, clothing, or other identifiable traits.

Don't put yourself in danger!

Never approach someone you fear may be about to commit an illegal act or crime. Make some notes, such as the person's appearance, clothing, car license plate, type of aircraft, N number, and coloring. If appropriate, take a picture, but keep your distance if the situation seems hostile. If you can't safely contact authorities or the airport management without exposing yourself to risk, leave the field or go to your car and talk on your cell phone. It could be your best weapon in fighting airport crime.

Together we can make general aviation, whether at Valkaria Airport or anywhere else, an unattractive option to terrorists, criminals, and anyone else who would try to damage this critical segment of our nation's transportation infrastructure!

For more info about how to keep your airport safe, visit the AOPA Airport Watch website.