Security Alert

The U.S. Government continues to receive credible indications that extremist individuals are planning additional terrorist operations against U.S. and Western interests within the U.S. and overseas. Such operations, possibly involving civil and general aviation (GA) aircraft, could be carried out whenever attack preparations are complete and operatives are in place. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has no credible information concerning specific targets, timing, or methods of attack. However, the GA community should observe good physical security for aircraft and facilities and be continuously on the lookout for suspicious persons, activities, and operations around airports.

Terrorists who are no longer able to hijack commercial airliners because of increased security at commercial airports may turn to GA airports and aircraft to conduct operations.

The TSA asks members of the GA community to report all unusual and suspicious activities. If you observe persons, aircraft, and operations that do not fit the customary pattern at your airport, you should immediately advise law enforcement authorities.

Your immediate action is requested for these items:

• Secure unattended aircraft to prevent unauthorized use.
• Verify the identification of crew and passengers prior to departure.
• Verify that baggage and cargo are known to the persons on board.

• Increased vigilance should be directed toward the following:
• Aircraft with unusual or unauthorized modifications.
• Persons loitering in the vicinity of aircraft or air operations areas.
• Persons who appear to be under stress or the control of other persons.
• Persons whose identification appears altered or inconsistent.