The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a toll free hotline, (866) GA-SECURE, for centralized reporting of events with possible security implications observed by general aviation pilots.
The hotline is part of a nationwide aviation watch system
called Airport Watch, a program developed by TSA and the Aircraft Owners
and Pilots Association (AOPA). Airport Watch enlists the support of
some 550,000 general aviation pilots to watch for and report suspicious
activities with possible security implications.
AOPA will distribute Airport Watch materials to 5,400
public-use airports, pilot groups and individual pilots. The program
will show pilots what to watch for and provide steps that citizen pilots
can take to enhance the security of their airports and aircraft.
The 385,000-member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
(AOPA) has been representing the interests of general aviation pilots
since 1939. General aviation includes all flying except for the
scheduled airlines and the military. More than two-thirds of the
nation's pilots, and three-quarters of aircraft owners, are AOPA
members.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), born out of
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, is responsible for discovering,
preventing and dealing with threats to transportation security. TSA
protects the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of
movement for people and commerce.