One of the final nails

[colt_pa22]

My anger is growing as I read over this latest piece of nonsense from the Department of Transport and regional Services "GA aircraft owners" anti theft measures.

The Act will come into affect in 2005. It will have impact on general aviation aircraft owners, including private corporate non-jet aircraft and recreational aircraft owners, by requiring that steps be taken to secure the aircraft against theft.

From March 2005 aircraft MUST NOT BE left unattended unless it has been secured against theft. Security officers will be doing random spot checks.

Get this; the measure will need to be easily visible from outside the aircraft to be effective as a deterrent to theft and also to facilitate checking. Oh, so this means I cannot put my canopy cover over my plane when I fly away somewhere? Or, my cover cannot be on my plane to prevent bird’s pooing on it in my hanger because you can't see anti-theft lock inside? What a joke.

Suggested anti theft measures

1. Fitting a wheel lock (How much does one of those cost?)
2. Parking an aircraft in a lockable hanger or shed

(Sorry that some of us aren’t as rich as a Cirrus owner or Mr Anderson, I bet their aircraft live in a lockable hangers whereas most of us park our aircraft outside or in a open hanger and rely on aircraft covers)

3. Fitting a lockable control lock (Well, fitting one of these would mean modifying the control collum itself, most Pipers do not have even a Cessna style control lock and rely on seat belts, again at what price?)

4. Securing the aircraft with a padlock and chain to permanently installed tie down point or cables (So when I go the Boort fly-in and park in an open paddock I need to install a pad lock with a chain to permanently installed tie down point, in a paddock!!!!!)

However this next statement takes the cake

Standard door locks supplied with the aircraft are not considered adequate to secure aircraft against theft.

So let me get this right, I need to lock the control collum with a padlock which I will have to modify my Piper's existing control collum, cannot use my canopy cover so inspectors can see I’m going by the rules, or find a lockable hanger (I'm sure there are heaps available around Vic just waiting for you to roll your plane in for the night), or keep in my baggage compartment a pad lock with chain or tie down cable to fit to anywhere I leave my plane unattended and finally the current door locks are not acceptable.

We have 3% of the American aircraft population and with new rules like this, what a disgrace.

Jump out the GA ship is sinking

[Creampuff]

The bad news, colt_pa22, is that because Australians in their infinite wisdom appear to have delivered the Senate to the government, from 1 July 2005 the government and the parliament will be for all intents and purposes synonymous.

As a consequence, every legislative bright idea of the government will become law, and there will be nobody – but nobody – to stop it.

Vale proper scrutiny and review of government legislation.

BTW, for whom did you vote?

[edited to change "2004" to "2005"

[Boney]

Too true Creampuff, get used to it Australia.

[Icarus2001]

Can anyone provide ONE example of an aircraft being STOLEN and then used for a terrorist attack? Anywhere?

How do you secure an light turboprop or jet?

Does this mean that all fuel tankers will be required to fit security devices? What about cars? Plenty of those have been used in terrorist attacks!

Creampuff, yes we now have three years to fully appreciate the consequences. Or possibly six!

[currawong]

Ever see the type of lock kids chain their bikes up with?

Put one around your prop, in a figure eight pattern. Or from a rudder pedal to your control column.

Common practice in the states for years now.

:ok:

[Islander Jock]

G'day Currawong,
I think that's a pretty good idea myself. I was toying with the idea of some type of steering lock between the contol yolks but whilst it might work for some, it wouldn't on others.

I wonder if anyone is manufacturing any wheel devices along the lines of the dreaded wheel clamps used by parking nazis all over the world. In my opinion they would prove a better visual deterrent rather than having someone breaking into your aircraft to try and remove a control lock whilst out of the gaze of everyon else. For those of us plebs who have cannot afford hangarage, we could then continue to use our canopy covers.

Looks like the aerodrome operators better start budgeting for bags of concrete, steel cables and shackles etc. Which would probably not be a huge undertaking. Of course the cost will be passed onto the user but might be easier and more economical than trying to modify or engineer control locking systems.

Also what about the various types of rudder and aileron locks that a lot of owners use. Surely it would not take a genius to re-design them to be secured by a padlock.

just my 2c worth.

[colt_pa22]

I did not vote for the coalition

[Biggles_in_Oz]

4. Securing the aircraft with a padlock and chain to permanently installed tie down point or cables.

sigh...
and how long will it take a cheap boltcutter to take care of that security measure ?

Many of the introduced security measures are ineffectual and silly, but, to non-aviation people it seems like something is/has been done, which is all that politicians want.., to be seen to be doing something.

[Islander Jock]

or:
cutting away a wheel lock,
Breaking into a locked hangar,
Breaking or picking the lock on a control lock.

Whilst I am not necessarily siding with DOTARS on this, given the current level of public paranoia when someone mentions the magic word - "aviation" I don't think their suggested measures are too unreasonable.

No method is going to be 100% secure and still remain within reasonable cost constraints. Like it or not any security measure no matter how flawed we might perceive it to be in our own circumstances, is going to reduce the risk and that is the the name of the @rse covering game.

[the wizard of auz]

wasn't there a baron stolen in the territory and then flown inverted into the bosses office, killing two, some time back?.
the people that died would call it terrorism. I also know about three aircraft stolen from my part of the world, resulting in the deaths of four people and almost another. although not aimed at the white house, they still killed people, and it was only blind luck that more wern't killed.
A big chain in a peice of plastic hose, in a wrap around the prop with a quality lock..............about fifty bucks worth, aught to satisfy the requirments. no biggy.

[Sunfish]

Stop whinging and get used to it. You lock your car don't you?

Current security practice is based on the assumption that all pilots and students are nice people (especially me) and are allowed to walk around GA airports at will and touch/feel /play with aircraft at will.

Is this a safe assumption? Events have suggested it probably isn't.

A a simple substitution of a chain and padlock for the tail tiedown should do the trick in many cases (and be quite entertaining). You can buy throttle locks over the internet already.

Sure bolt cutters are available, as are angle grinders and so on. Security is about multiple layers. Security specialists will tell you that nothing can stop a determined thief. These measures just make theft a little bit harder.

[tinpis]

wasn't there a baron stolen in the territory and then flown inverted into the bosses office, killing two, some time back?

1977 disgruntled employee crashed a Baron into Connellan hangar in AS killing Roger Conellan and 2 others.

[Feather #3]

Good quality prop locks have been available in the USA for some time. They appear to work very well over there and aren't too expensive. Don't re-invent the wheel.

G'day ;)

[poteroo]

Seriously flawed document - but what can you expect?

Hangars may well be lockable - but they are a pushover for a breakin

Takes an average person with a drill about 30 seconds to remove the tek screws off a panel of corrugated steel, lift it off the lower hangar frame, and walk inside.

From there, it's about 60 secs to open doors, and in a TT of 2-3 minutes, you could be started up and gone.

But wait -forgot that it takes time to get the ammonium nitrate on board - allow a few minutes to complete loading.

Whoops - forgot one more thing - allow another few minutes for the pre-flight and fill in the M/R. Wouldn't want to be illegal now, would we?

Why are they worried about lighties at this stage - the airports are all wide open. First things first.

How about DOTARS getting all the regional airports totally locked up and secure first. At least the entry cards would ensure that only pilots got into the hangar areas. Pax would be segregated into their own unsecure carpark, which should by rights be bloody miles from the terminal to deter car bombers .

They'll love that long walk in the rain!!

But this time, lets not have any 'standard' letters ex AOPA or ASA. I think it's time everyone wrote their own little critique to DOTARS instead of going the tired old route of 'circular' type protest letters - which get binned directly.

Yes, we'll all probably have to comply, but at least a well worded missive direct to DOTARS is good for the soul, even if futile!

happy days,

[Pseudonymn]

wasn't there a baron stolen in the territory and then flown inverted into the bosses office, killing two, some time back?
1977 disgruntled employee crashed a Baron into Connellan hangar in AS killing Roger Conellan and 2 others.

The story of Connellan Airways and this incident can be found here. (http://www.wilmap.com.au/alice_springs/connellan.html)

[colt_pa22]

Stop whinging and get used to it. You lock your car don't you?

Excuse me Sunfish; my aircraft is locked just like your car.

Do you fit a wheel lock, steering wheel lock with pad lock or tie your car down with a chain every time you go down to the shops? I think not, and why should I on my aircraft. It is locked and secure with a door lock that is just as good as on any car.

I'm not going to tie down my aircraft to a fixed tie down point with pad lock and chain, fit a wheel lock or padlock my control collum every time I walk away from my aircraft, unless DOTARS pay for the mods or equipment.

[Islander Jock]

Do you fit a wheel lock, steering wheel lock with pad lock or tie your car down with a chain every time you go down to the shops? I think not, and why should I on my aircraft. It is locked and secure with a door lock that is just as good as on any car. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Colt, I guarantee that it is far far easier to break the piddling window lock off an aircraft, reach in and open the door than it is on most cars.

I'm not going to tie down my aircraft to a fixed tie down point with pad lock and chain, fit a wheel lock or padlock my control collum every time I walk away from my aircraft, unless DOTARS pay for the mods or equipment. :{ :{ :{

Might be cheaper though than paying fines for non compliance with legislation. Geeesus H C! give me a break.

This option is a lesser evil than making all airports 100% access controlled the cost of which would be passed on in terms of landing and parking fees. So just think about that one for a moment.

Sunfish and I don't see eye to eye on a few issues but I'm with him on this one.:ok:

[currawong]

Forget 9/11.

Forget the Regs.

What were you doing up till now to hamper unauthorised use of your aircraft?

Relying on good will? Bwa ha ha ha.....

Can think of two aircraft "borrowed" without asking (and stacked) this year locally. Both covered on Prune.

Sure insurance might cover it. Will it cover the inconvenience of turning up at the airport to find your aircraft gone?

[Wheeler]

We should all be grateful to CASA for taking care of our security...

I bought an aircraft only two monts ago, sent all the forms in immediately as requested and now I get a letter saying they will not process my application to be property interest holder or Certificate of registration holder until I supply them with a copy of a photo drivers licence or passport. this despite being proiperty interest holder and Cof R Holder on 6 previous aircraft, providing them with a medical report every year for the last 20 years, renewals and so on all on the same ARN.

Perhaps the faceless bureaucracy just want to know their customers have a face.

Cannot really imagine this will have much affect on improving security, other than that of their jobs of course! Two months down the track, if I was going to do something dispicable with this highly dangerous spam can, I think I might have done a bit quicker than they can process a simple change of ownership!

I do leave it in a hangar, for their security requirements of course, but like most colourbond hangars, it could easily be opened with a can opener. Who are they kidding?

[Sunfish]

Colt, magnetos fail ON not off. I shouldn't have to tell you how simple it is to get an aircraft running. I should not tell you anything else. I think these changes are long overdue. In other words, the average car is harder to pinch then the average aircraft. You make the assumption that all pilots are good guys. What if they are not?

[Kaptin M]

"1977 disgruntled employee crashed a Baron into Connellan hangar in AS killing Roger Conellan and 2 others."

Colin was a past student of mine - there is a lot more to his story than just a "disgruntled employee".
No, I don't condone his actions, but neither do I agree with the taunts, ridicule, and discrimination he was subjected to, that pushed him to do it.
Sad, very sad.

[Northern Chique]

Not that I approve of the ordering of anyone to do anything of the sort, but encoraging the insurance companies to offer discounts for appropriately fitted equipment may be a start. The only thing I used to have to protect the plane from was the cows and sheep.....

It was merely chatter around a few friends of mine, but we concluded it wont be long before aircraft will be required to have immobilisers and theft tracking devices similar to those in the automotive industry for a number of years. No doubt the current reaction by the transport authority was cheaper than ordering enmasse fitting of engine immobilising equipment.

Gawd there was one point there I wasnt able to re register my old Honda until I could prove it had an immobiliser fitted.

[the wizard of auz]

Kaptin M, The story I heard from someone who also knew Colin, was he was a bit of a strange chap, along with being an extreemly religious chap, and that was the basis of the tuanting he had to endure. It was also reported that he was singing "rock of ages" on the radio on the way in.
Was that your recolection of the fellow?.
Sad way to end it all. :(

[Capt Fathom]

How many airliners / regional aircraft have locks, and are secured overnight?
Have we stopped small vehicles from entering the CBD?
Ships from entering the harbour?
Where do you draw the line. At what stage do we just get on with living.

GA is an easy (and news worthy target) for politicans. They need to be seen doing something. W@nkers!

[McRippy]

firstly whats a 152 going to do to the harbour bridge (f**k all), secondly if the guy with the funny accent and the big trucking gun asks for your 210 (makes a little bit bigger ding in the bridge) id advise to give it to him. finnally if you dont happen to be around and the guy with the big trucking gun wants your plane he might even invest in an angle grinder

[Icarus2001]

Islander Jock
Might be cheaper though than paying fines for non compliance with legislation. Geeesus H C! give me a break.

An interesting point you raise. If they intend to enforce this patently unsound legislation they will need a "man on the ground" actually checking aircraft at regional airports!

Given that CASA staff find it difficult to drag themselves out of their offices as they are sooooo busy it clearly will not be their job. So who will do it?

A piece of legislation that cannot be enforced is a poorly constructed object of derision. Look at some of the rules that are ignored every day and one even attempts to enforce them. How many aircraft at Bankstown, Archerfield or Jandakot start their engines almost in the hangar or on top of another aircraft? Earthing points, line up by 500 metres from perimeter of airport etc etc

The person who presumably must check these locks & security items would also need some legal authority to enter an aircraft if it was parked with sun screens up and locked. A lawyers dream don't you think.

Mr Dotars: Unlock your aircraft and show me your security lock.

Mr AOP: No I am busy.

Mr Dotars: Pretty please...

Mr AOP: Go away.

:sad:

[Islander Jock]

G'day Icarus,

I agree that there are far greater risks to life and limb than the humble GA aircraft ie the truck loaded with a couple of hundred kilos of ANFO (what are DOTARS doing about road transport security?). Also agree that the legislation may well be poorly constructed. However as Currawong said earlier, until now we have largely been relying on goodwill for the security of our aircraft and unfortunately times are changing and the good ol days people treating aircraft as some sort of sacred cows not to be touched by anyone unauthorised to do so, are well and truly gone.

Agree also that no amount of chains, padlocks, control locks, locked hangarage etc is going to stop a determined thief from stealing and aircraft and perhaps using it for some deadly purpose. However, if the ease at which the aircraft can be accessed and/or taken is removed then surely the risk has been lessened.

As an owner/operator of 6 aircraft plus being involved in the management of another 4, meeting these requirements is going to hit my back pocket a lot harder than many of the others having a good old whinge about this. But at the same time, should the unthinkable occur and one of our planes is nicked, I would rather then news report read something along the lines of "The alleged offender broke off the approved locking devices" rather than "Got into and flew away in an aeroplane that was unlocked"

I don't have too much info on specific history of aircraft thefts apart from the Baron mentioned here and 337 stolen from out Kalgoorlie way about a year or so ago. Just perhaps these measures might also stop or lessen these types of incidents occurring as well.

[Woomera]

IJ

And then there's a close friend of mine in Perth, gave up buying new Porsche Carerras, because despite the very latest in keyless entry, kick ass fandangle electronic ignition AND fuel pump immobilisers designed by Einstein installed under the driver seat AND only accesable by taking the drivers seat out AND parked in a locked garage behind a steel fence with aircraft carrier size anchor chain and padlock on it as well as the usual hydraulic locks, he was still getting rung in the middle of the night by the cops telling him his car was now in the pound after the latest chase, asking him did he know it was stolen yet or seeing a photo of it wrecked on the front page of the Morning Vomit.:{
He might as well have left the keys in the ignition and saved the entry damage.

I even got to look after it occasionally when he went away:E

Three times, then he gave it away.
The gentleman responsible is, last I heard, a guest of Her Majesty whilst negotiating an obscenely high paid security consultancy contract with several major car companies for execution on his release. :}

Moral of the story, "If they're really serious about taking it, they'll take it"

[shovel]

Perhaps the moral of the story could be if your going to take it take something decent:D :D

[Lodown]

colt_pa22, powered aviation is a little over 100 years old now and I'd be willing to bet that comments refering to 'the final nail in the coffin' are almost as old. They've certainly been prevalent since I started flying. Somehow GA seems to be surviving. If the proposed rule change was just affecting you, then I would agree about the injustice, but it's affecting everyone. Just deal with it and move on.

[colt_pa22]

It is an injustice to all aircraft owners.

I don’t think GA is surviving is Aus, there is a downward trend in the decline of all pilots, PPL to ATPL from 01 to 03 despite new PPL to ATPL holders obtaining their new licenses within that time period. Total hours flown are also down from 00 to 02 and have probably gone down again since 02 to new.

We all agree if somebody wants your aircraft they can, and will break in to it regardless of the proposed anti theft devices, so why make us buy a 200US+ anti theft device? The depressing thing is AOPA agrees with DoTARS on this, they’re more interested on a pointless national day of protest at the moment that will prove nothing. What a joke.

The RAA (AUF) is looking pretty good at the moment; at least they have the balls to stand up to the regulators.

[Ultralights]

the best thing i have ever done in my avaition career (activities anyway) was walk away from YSBK and the VH registered aircraft, and join the RAA (formerly AUF) now i can actually aford to fly any day that pleases me, AND buy my OWN aircraft! its no surprise that the RAA has grown 100% in size in the last 3 yrs!

[Lodown]

Can't let this opportunity pass by since you mentioned it - AOPA can't agree with anyone at the present time.

Back to the topic...

[currawong]

"downward trend in the number of all pilots, PPL to ATPL"

That should bring it back to about 50 pilots per job.

Call it an adjustment after a drastic oversupply. Bigger oversupply, bigger adjustment.

Aviation for many is a pyramid marketing scam. Unfortunately.

Meaning many that train have no prospect of ever finding employment.

This happens, regardless of regulation. Easier regs would not rejuvinate GA. Period.

More people with more disposable income might.

[Icarus2001]

currawong your comments really only apply to aspiring Commercial Pilots. There can never be an over supply of Private Pilots! For there to be ANY GA left to train those aspiring Commercial Pilots we need more PPLs training & hiring aircraft. There is a definite decline in numbers and this reflects in a current shortage of senior instructors and also CPLs with enough twin time to do government charter work. I know of three GA operators who are short of pilots! I know it has been a long time coming. The PPLs are understandbly heading over to the RAA and flying better (faster, cheaper, more sophisticated) aircraft so the future for GA schools is grim. Add in the looming CASR requirements and we are in for a big shake up. I think we will end with just a handful of Commercial Pilot schools around the country. Instead of every two aircraft country flying school training Commercial Pilots. I make no comment on whether this is good or bad just where I think we are heading.

[Sunfish]

As an aspiring PPL (and no further) I think GA has a bright future. It is not as expensive as I thought it was. The overlapping of GA and ultralights plus new technology like diesels and plastic aircraft is ultimately going to keep costs down.

I suspect pleny of others are sick of spending three hours on the road every weekend to get to their favourite destinations. GA doesn't look dead to me!

[Like This - Do That]

My old bomb Corolla was pinched in the wee hours of a Thursday morning a few years ago. The Peelers called me when they found it a week later.... the crooks had put their own steering wheel lock on it :p

I agree with Woomera - if they want it they'll take it. However.....

Imagine someone pinches a lighty next week and prangs it into a school yard. The inevitable "totally unlocked twin engine Cessna Cherokee" headline will be presented as the heart of the matter, not the theft. Most people hate 'those noisy dangerous little planes' as it is. The outrage will be lapped up by the tabloids and their slack jawed readers, listeners and viewers.

We can't ignore perceptions. Islander Jock makes the point well; don't we want to be seen to be complying?

And Sunfish, as most people live in the capital cities, we GA knobs will be spending more than 3 hours on the road just to get to the airport, the way things are heading......:yuk:

[John Eacott]

Having to face the costs of "thief proofing" 6 aircraft to meet this drama (3 helicopters which can be parked anywhere, anytime :( ), I e mailed the two gentlemen on the DATOARS notice. Waste of time, as my main beef was "how do you justify that ALL aircraft door locks are not considered adequate". Cleverly avoided answering, of course, but if they were to get more e mails, maybe they'd start to think about it.

If just a few of you have the time and energy, how about a quick line to:

Mike Higgins [email protected]

or

Ian Gammon [email protected]

[Sunfish]

It could be worse you know! They could have asked for plane alarms and immobilisers:p