The security of the nation's airspace, airports and aircraft is every pilot's concern. As the voice for general aviation, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has teamed with the Transportation Security Administration to develop an exciting new online course to help flight schools, FBOs, aircraft owners, renter pilots and flying clubs enhance aviation security.

"Now available on the AOPA Web site, this course is interactive, informative and a must for anyone involved in aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Aviation has been under a microscope since the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, and general aviation has and will continue to be under scrutiny. All pilots have a responsibility to help ensure the safety and security of our airports and aircraft."

Offering practical guidelines and simple security tips, the new online course expands AOPA's Airport Watch program, which was developed nearly four years ago in a partnership with the TSA to create and promote a means of securing airports. Modeled after the highly successful neighborhood watch programs throughout the country, Airport Watch integrates AOPA's deep understanding of general aviation and TSA's security expertise.

The course, along with a review of local airport security procedures, will meet TSA's Recurrent Security Awareness Training requirement for flight and ground instructors, flight school employees and FBOs who have direct contact with flight students.

The more-than-414,000 members of AOPA make up the world's largest civil aviation association. AOPA is committed to striking a common-sense balance that fulfills national security needs while protecting aircraft owners and pilots from security incidents.

FMI: www.aopa.org/securitycourse