Spends Monday Defending TV Station's Report On Unlocked Planes

It wasn't the way Phil Boyer, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, wanted to spend his Monday. Earlier this week, Boyer found himself in the AOPA television studio, defending general aviation security following a Phoenix TV reporter's "expose" on security at five area GA airports, ahead of this weekend's Super Bowl game in Glendale, AZ.

Even worse, the reporter had something of a point -- as the investigation found three unlocked aircraft.

"Beyond the crucial role for general aviation security of Airport Watch's 'lock up, look out' message, public perception is vitally important," said Boyer. "I can’t compete with pictures of a reporter walking up to your plane and opening an unlocked door. In the court of public opinion, we lose that argument every time."

While one may certainly argue the validity of a report attempting to pigeonhole general aviation planes as potential terrorist weapons, Boyer acknowledged GA has been under the microscope ever since September 11, 2001... and, whether it's fair or not, will likely remain so throughout our lifetimes. And that means pilots must do all they can to keep GA as secure as possible.

They can start by locking up their planes, keeping their aircraft in a locked hangar, or using some other visible deterrent -- like as a prop or wheel lock.

"The general aviation community has an important role to play in enhancing security at America’s airports," said Boyer. "And doing our part in a visible way demonstrates our resolve to the non-flying public."

Boyer noted the AOPA Air Safety Foundation conducts an award-winning, and free, online GA Security course.

FMI: www.aopa.org/asf