May 20, 2004

For more information contact:
Tim McClung
515-239-1689
tim.mcclung@dot.iowa.gov

Iowa Leads on General Aviation Security Initiative  

Ames, Iowa – A general aviation security initiative coordinated by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) finished its outreach phase today with the completion of a statewide tour. 

Officials from the DOT Office of Aviation and TSA have now visited all Iowa public-owned airports in an effort to take a proactive approach toward security at Iowa’s general aviation airports. 

The meetings with local airport and city officials, local law enforcement, and other interested parties were highlighted by discussions on the “neighborhood watch” approach for airport users and personnel. Part of this approach includes TSA’s national toll-free number, 1-866-GA-SECURE, providing a direct line for the aviation community and the public to report suspicious aviation activity to TSA.

The program also included outreach training efforts to educate airport management, personnel, pilots, tenants, and other airport users on general aviation security best practices. Examples of the best practices include recommendations for security involving agricultural aircraft and stepped up law enforcement patrols during heightened security levels. 

Best practices were adapted from a report developed by the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), a consortium of 15 leading associations representing various disciplines within the aviation industry. A set of general aviation security guidelines based on the ASAC report have now been released by the TSA. 

Michelle McEnany, director of the Iowa DOT Office of Aviation, commented that “Iowa’s airport officials had a very positive reaction and are on-board with taking a proactive, common sense approach toward general aviation security. We were very pleased to partner with TSA officials from hubs in Moline, Des Moines, and Omaha. TSA was also extremely satisfied with the security initiative, citing that it allowed them the opportunity to see the airports firsthand and put faces on the people that run those facilities.”  

For the most recent information on general aviation security, visit the Iowa DOT Office of Aviation web site at iawings.com.

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