Flight Safety Officer Query

[RAIM]

Hi,

I am the Flight Safety Officer for a charter company based in Australia. We operate a fleet of differing turboprop aircraft. In the face of recent world events we are looking at improving the security for our aircraft, particularly when they are overnighting at unsecure/remote aerodromes. I was wondering if anybody in a similar situation could advise me of current practice within their own company.

Also, for other FSO's out there, would anybody be prepared to discuss their own safety initiatives simply for extra idea value?

Thanks

RAIM

[Captain Stable]

Is this a safety or a security issue?

What exactly is the threat to the aircraft? What history do you have of incidents in situations such as you have outlined? What extra legislation are you now subject to?

There is no such thing as "security" or "safety". There are a range of measures that you put into effect and monitor on a positive feedback loop to guard against perceived threats.

As incidents and incident precursors occur, you alter the measures accordingly.

And you remember that there is no such thing as being 100% safe.

[RAIM]

Captain Stable,

Thanks for your reply.

There is no specific threat, perceived or otherwise. Looking more at a proactive stance in situations where anybody could gain access to the aircraft for whatever reason. The company's (and clients) view point is that it is better to be somewhat prepared rather than suprised.

At this stage I'm just looking for current industry ideas and practices.

Thanks

RAIM

[411A]

You might find it worthwhile to join the NBAA in the USA. They have a whole section devoted to aircraft security, which is very important to most corporate operators. www.nbaa.org

[Rumbo de Pista]

Might we just bear in mind the red warning at the bottom of the page before we step in too fast to 'help' on security issues these days?

If the poster above is genuine, I suggest he contacts his government to arrange to talk to them and to other carriers in his country. If he wants a UK view, he could approach the UK Flight Safety Committee who can then check bona fides before offering their assistance.

For my part, I would be very wary of an FSO who viewed posting questions here as a good way of finding out about security techniques - not least because he's helping drive up his own operation's exposure to risk if too much is found out.

[Captain Stable]

Rumbo, good point made. Exactly why I did not post any direct suggestions but rather areas where RAIM could look for himself.

If there is no threat, perceived or otherwise (how do you know if there is an unperceived threat? ;) ) then that would suggest no security measures need to be taken.

Failing that, you could surround the aircraft with three rolls of razorwire and an infantry company each night...

With those tongue-in-cheek comments I shall close this thread.