... attendees were given an outline of a general aviation security training program being run by the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) in Pewaukee, WI. The program is being underwritten by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security, thus participation is free. Brian Dorow and Gus Moulas of WCTC say that their hands-on training sessions are booked through 2010, which has prompted the college to build an online program, available at www.generalaviationsecurity.com.
The goal of the program is two-fold: to educate first-responders about the logistics of a GA airfield and the potential threats and challenges therein; and, to educate anyone else – from airports to tenants to pilots to neighbors – about security awareness. Moulas says that WCTC is working closely with AOPA’s Airport Watch program.
The WCTC website offers GA airport operators the opportunity to assess the threat level at their facilities by plugging in various data such as number of based aircraft; types of operations (Part 91, 135, etc.); class of airspace; and potential targets near an airfield (for example, a stadium). That assessment helps to determine which of three levels of training offered by WCTC is most appropriate for an airport and its interested parties.
This is all about education. One concern, says Moulas, is that law enforcement officials do not make regular visits to their local general aviation airport. Educating them about the need can heighten security and also contain other potential crimes. First responders in a community may also be unfamiliar with the challenges an airfield can present. “Our first-responder course adds a skill set,†says Moulas.
Thanks for reading. jfi