Coyne Says NBC Owes Fostaire 'Huge' Apology

On August 11, two NBC reporters posing as foreign businessmen attempted to charter a helicopter at Fostaire Helicopters, a member of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and a Part 135 operator based at St. Louis Downtown Airport, in Sauget, IL.

"We got a call from a prospective customer asking about a scenic flight," said Clarke Thomas, president of Fostaire Helicopters. "They wanted to know how close they could get to the St Louis landmarks and they said price was no object. That raised a red flag right away because any businessman is always concerned with price. When they arrived they were carrying duffel bags and backpacks-something else that is very unusual."

The two men were carrying luggage with concealed box cutters, knives and other weapons and planned to pay for the charter flight with cash. Arlene Thomas, vice president of Fostaire Helicopters, was immediately suspicious and stalled for time while the FBI and local police were called. The police came and arrested the two individuals and later determined that they were on assignment for NBC to produce a story on how easy it is to charter a helicopter for a terrorist flight.
 
"NBC claims they did nothing wrong, that they were just 'testing the system'," continued Clarke. "That may be so but in my book what they did was the equivalent of robbing a bank and then when the police arrive, saying, 'We were just testing the security at the bank.' It is inappropriately testing the system."

"NBC owes Arlene and Clarke Thomas a huge apology," stated NATA president James K. Coyne. "Not only is this an egregious waste of time for all involved but it calls law enforcement authorities away from what could be real emergencies. It's harassment-pure and simple, and inexcusable."

"We have said all along that charter operators have a built-in security mechanism that was in place long before 9/11," added Coyne. "Part of it is knowing your customers and part of it is being constantly alert. This incident proves without a doubt that the system works. Arlene Thomas knew something was not right and did the correct thing."
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It has been reported that NBC is planning similar "penetration" stories throughout the country.

"With all the real news stories taking place today," said Coyne," I would think that NBC could think of better ways to employ their reporters.

Coyne has sent a letter to the president of NBC News, Neil Shapiro, demanding an apology to Fostaire.

Immediately after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, NATA formed a Business Aviation Security Task Force with representatives from a broad cross section of industry and government. The Task Force later issued security recommendations and guidelines for airports and aviation businesses.

FMI: www.nata-online.org