LITH Airport Officials: A Time to Revisit Aviation Safety Tips

officials are taking the opportunity on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 to remind everyone in the aviation business of their "obligations and responsibilities to ensure that we maintain awareness of the potential threats possible through mis-use of aircraft."

Any suspicious behavior should be reported to the by calling 9-1-1. 

"The police have no issues with investigating what turns out to be no problem," accoring to the press release. "Your instincts and knowledge of general aviation world are the best first line of defense against terroris and common thief's alike." 

Airport officials provided the following tips for achieving their safety goals in a press release:

• Secure unattended aircraft to prevent unauthorized use. Consider the use of auxiliary locks to further protect aircraft from unauthorized use.
• Report anyone trying to access an aircraft through force-without keys, using a crowbar or screwdriver.
• Report out-of-the-ordinary videotaping of aircraft or hangars.
• Consistently lock hangar doors and close security gates.
• Verify the identification of crew and passengers prior to departure. Where identification procedures are in place, use them.
• Report suspicious persons or activities to the appropriate authorities.
• Verify that baggage and cargo are known to the persons on board.
• Direct increased vigilance to unknown pilots and clients for aircraft rental or charters, as well as unknown service or delivery personnel.
• Be alert to, aware of, and report persons masquerading as pilots, security personnel, emergency medical technicians, or other personnel using uniforms or vehicles as methods to gain access to aviation facilities or aircraft.
• Be alert, aware of and report aircraft with unusual or unauthorized modifications.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association provides additional information on its website.