Wednesday, February 19, 2003
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Wednesday, February 19, 2003 |
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From Hartsfield to Falcon Field, security is heightened By JOHN MUNFORD
and By
JOHN THOMPSON
Although the 160 aircraft based at Falcon Field don't pose much of a danger even if they were stolen for use as a terrorist's weapon aviators there are taking extra precautions to secure the airport. Airport officials have established a neighborhood watch type program so people can report suspicious activity to airport staff or emergency personnel if the airport is closed for the evening, said Airport Manager Jim Savage. Airport staff fuel up aircraft and get to know the usual customers, Savage said. "We're very careful to notice who operates these airplanes." Many aviators who used to park their aircraft outside have chosen to move their planes into hangars, Savage said. Others have purchased a lock that goes on the plane's throttle which keeps the plane from taking off since the engine can't go above idle speed, he added. Plane owners also have another option, a "boot"-type device that secures to the wheels of the aircraft, effectively disabling it until the complicated device is removed. The Peachtree City Police Department has been patrolling the airport, and the presence of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department helicopter on site has also made airport tenants feel more safe, Savage noted. Meanwhile, the Georgia Airports Association has been working with the Transportation Security Administration to make sure procedures are in place to enhance security at general aviation airports like Falcon Field, said Savage, who also serves on the GAA. The important thing is making sure there's a line of communication between airport officials and the various agencies such as the TSA with local and regional law enforcement officials. And just to our north ... Last week's directive from the White House to stock up on duct tape and plastic sheeting left many residents wondering how safe the metro area is and what should be done in case of a biological or chemical attack. One of the biggest concerns could be Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport, which lies just north of Fayette County. Security sources at Hartsfield and the federal Transportation Security Administration remained tight-lipped last week about possible evacuation plans, but maintain they are ready for any possible nefarious plans. "We can't tell you exactly what we have in place, because we don't want to offer a blueprint for people to try and get around the plans," said Hartsfield spokesperson Yolanda Clark. When the country's security warning was changed to orange, the second highest level of alert, the airport did increase security measures in several areas including: Parking. The number of parking spaces may be reduced and there may be increased random inspections of vehicles in and around the airport facility. Increased law enforcement presence. The TSA, working with airport and local law enforcement officers, increased the number of patrols of local law enforcement officers throughout airport facility and increased patrols of airport perimeters. Checkpoints at airports. TSA screeners are always on a heightened state of alert, and continue to perform at that level. Checking airport IDs. The TSA advised air carriers to review and ensure the validity of all personnel identification badges for those who have access to the secure areas.
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