The Recent Alleged Theft Of A GA Airplane Should Remind Us To Use Adequate Antitheft Protection

After the tragic event known as 9-11, safety precautions were placed in effect around general aviation airports to prevent aircraft theft. A recent report of an aircraft theft in Las Vegas has brought this issue to life again.

A former student pilot allegedly stole an airplane from North Las Vegas Airport at about midnight last Friday, landed in one piece, and was taken into custody by police.

Following the event, the ABC news program, Good Morning America, not only reported the story but they provided commentary. In that commentary, they question was raised as to the danger imposed by general aviation aircraft flying off small airports. The commentary was broadly based on the concept that small airports have lots of airplanes that could be stolen and used in a nefarious manner.

We in general aviation must assure our airport neighbors that we take appropriate precautions to lock our aircraft as best we can, and that we are aware that these things, while rare, can occur. It’s easy to point out that bad things can and do happen involving cars and trucks, but it seems to be more newsworthy when airplanes are involved.

After 9-11, AOPA has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that urges pilots to use their eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious activity. This program introduced us to a concept called, Lock Up and Look Out.

Lock Up

• Utilize aircraft door locks at all times (if so equipped) when the aircraft is unattended
• If so equipped, always remove the ignition key
• Consider the use of auxiliary locks to further protect aircraft from unauthorized use
• Consistently lock hangar doors and close security gates
• Even a simple padlock on a tiedown chain can discourage aircraft theft

Look Out

• Look for anyone trying to access an aircraft through force
• Be wary of someone who misuses aviation lingo
• Be suspicious of out-of-the-ordinary videotaping of aircraft or hangars
• If in doubt about someone on the airport, notify authorities

All of us know that general aviation is always a tasty target for unknowledgeable media hype. However, it is still up to us to do everything possible to protect our airplanes, our airports, and our positive image in the community.

(Image from internet photo file)

FMI: www.aopa.org