Spotters to Spot Trouble?
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Australia
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The saddest cases I've ever seen used to cluster under the windsock at YMMB and take pictures of C150's taxiing past.
It seems they also give directions now..
Did this UK idea get off the ground though?
THE AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS SECURITY SCHEME and in Canada: YYZ Airport Watch
Info from this thread: Heathrow Spotter ID Card - JetPhotos.Net Forums - The Friendly Way to Fly. Opinions do seem divided on its worth there as well.
It seems they also give directions now..
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: The 'Bat Cave' @ HLP in the Big Durian Indo
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I think the issue for pilots and operators is as Worrals and others have said is spotters incorrectly reporting aviation operational issues to CASA rather than security related issues to the AFP.
Most spotters are harmless genuine aviation enthusiasts and in the old days at Parafield I let a few of them take pictures of themselves sitting in the pilots seat but I have met some busy bodies as well who are wannabe regulations enforcers and get their noses out of joint especially if you tell them to pi$$ off and get off the ramp ("looks a bit heavy mate" loading of an aircraft in my case which was well within weight and balance).
So if this scheme goes ahead there needs to be some reinforcement that the spotters are to report suspicious security risks to the AFP not operational matters to CASA or Airservices.
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Most spotters are harmless genuine aviation enthusiasts and in the old days at Parafield I let a few of them take pictures of themselves sitting in the pilots seat but I have met some busy bodies as well who are wannabe regulations enforcers and get their noses out of joint especially if you tell them to pi$$ off and get off the ramp ("looks a bit heavy mate" loading of an aircraft in my case which was well within weight and balance).
So if this scheme goes ahead there needs to be some reinforcement that the spotters are to report suspicious security risks to the AFP not operational matters to CASA or Airservices.
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Last edited by aseanaero; 9th Oct 2009 at 03:30.
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Perhaps the current reporting system should be sorted out first.
A few months ago at a largish regional airport we noticed a vehicle parked in an unusual position. It was on the wrong side of the road and not in an area where any aircraft movements could be viewed. In fact there was no reason for him to be there for any length of time. He was back the next day so the driver was challenged. He ignored the challenge so we called the Airport Operator who challenged him with no result. We called the Feds on the provided number. Nothing happened and he was back all week and into the next few weeks.Numerous calls to State Police,Federal Police and anybody else we could think of and he's still there.About a month later after calls to local area command, the State police turn up totally disinterested.
My take on the whole airport security is its all smoke and mirrors.
Wunwing
A few months ago at a largish regional airport we noticed a vehicle parked in an unusual position. It was on the wrong side of the road and not in an area where any aircraft movements could be viewed. In fact there was no reason for him to be there for any length of time. He was back the next day so the driver was challenged. He ignored the challenge so we called the Airport Operator who challenged him with no result. We called the Feds on the provided number. Nothing happened and he was back all week and into the next few weeks.Numerous calls to State Police,Federal Police and anybody else we could think of and he's still there.About a month later after calls to local area command, the State police turn up totally disinterested.
My take on the whole airport security is its all smoke and mirrors.
Wunwing
