Avman

To all airport authorities out there, please take a moment to read this AIRPORT WATCH initiative (see below) which has been pioneered in Canada. It now operates in Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary. I believe that Vienna (Austria) and, more recently, Bristol (UK) also have similar schemes. This type of initiative ensures that both airport authorities and dedicated aviation spotters/photographers enjoy mutual benefits. At some of the Canadian airports these recognised and registered Airport Watch spotters are additionally provided with high visibility AIRPORT WATCH jackets (which, incidentally, remain the property of the airport). I for one would certainly like to see more such initiatives that bring aviation enthusiasts and airport authorities together in combating crime and terrorism.

Airport Watch and Spotters' Participation
• Abstract
• The Problem
• The Objective
• The Partners
• Nature of involvement
• Actions/Results
• Assessment
• Lessons Learned
• Contact Person(s)
Abstract
The use of aviation enthusiasts (spotters) within the Airport Watch and the Jetway Program (Hyperlink to Pipeline/Convoy/Jetway Best Practice) at the Ottawa International Airport is a new initiative providing enhanced crime prevention and detection as well as better security at and around the airport at virtually no cost. This new addition evolved from the need for a more active airport watch program where dedicated observers can watch for suspicious activity rather than rely strictly on airport employees who are already inside the security perimeter. These "spotters" are on the outside of the perimeter and do not outwardly pose a threat to possible criminals.

The Problem
The aviation industry is a world leader in safety through prevention. When persons think of aviation crime, the most notable incidents would be terrorism by aircraft bombing and hijacking. Although these types of crimes are rare in Canada, they have unfortunately occurred. In addition to these most serious crimes, other more common incidents such as theft, vandalism and smuggling also affects the well-being of any airport, its employees and its clients.

The Objective
Crime prevention at airports is not unlike home crime prevention. It is based on anticipating risks and dealing with them. By removing an open invitation to criminals it will most often deter them from carrying out their crime in the first place. Most crimes occur because the opportunity presented itself and there was a low risk of getting caught. An aggressive airport watch program which includes crime prevention, is the basis for eliminating, or at least reducing to a minimum the risk of all crimes at an airport. This initiative demonstrates that by using "spotters" as volunteers in our airport watch program, it could greatly enhance the detection and prevention of crime.

The Partners
Strategic intelligence on persons or parties that would profit from serious aviation crime is obtained through police and intelligence agencies throughout the country as well as from agencies of allied countries. Airport security at the Ottawa International Airport is coordinated by Security Operations Centre (SOC) staffed by members of the Corps of Commissionaires (C of C) and with Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Service providing the armed response. Passive observation is provided by dozens of remote cameras at critical locations in and around the main terminal. Transport Canada also provides a security and safety officer. The RCMP provides resources with a sub-unit of National Security Investigations Section. This plainclothes unit provides a variety of services including assistance to other agencies.
The Airport Watch at Ottawa's international airport includes the traditional partners such as the Airport Authority employees, First Air, Air Canada, Hudson General and general aviation services employees as well as the Canada Reception Centre (CRC), National Research Council (NRC), Environment Canada and the Ministry of Health.
An innovative addition to the regular Airport Watch program are the persons that visit the airport on a regular basis simply to watch movements on and around the field. These persons are known world-wide as "spotters" and they are common to any large airport, military or civilian.

Actions and Results
The term "spotters" originated in England about eighty years ago during the height of the steam engine era. These persons "spotted" approaching trains to record their engine numbers and traded this information with others as a hobby. Today, this pastime is well organized in the UK and Europe and is supported by most international airports. Many "spotters" are retired and are former military personnel. Others are students or pilots. They all have an interest in aviation in general and have a very good knowledge of the airport"s perimeter layout. They may spend hours at a time located on public access roads watching aircraft from the perimeter fence. They are usually equipped with binoculars, flight schedules, radio scanner and cellular telephone. Being familiar with these surroundings, many are aware of other visitors to the airport, both regular and irregular.
Initially, many of these "spotters" were approached by Cst. Brunelle to gauge their interest in participating in the Airport Watch and their suitability for such a program. All expressed an interest given that they already spend so much time on site. Additionally, they have all agreed to submit to a security clearance. Some were even relieved to know that their presence near the perimeter was not unwelcomed. Less than a year later, twenty "spotters" have been recruited. About half of their numbers were brought into the program by being referred by the original eleven participants. One of the gentleman was a former curator of the National Aviation Museum, two others were World War II Parachute Regiments veterans, others were student pilots, former RCAF pilot officers, two were church ministers and retired government security officers and the others are currently employed as authors, artists, consultants, computer engineers, etc. They all have a common bond in the appreciation of aviation in all forms. Most are very familiar with aircraft in general and could readily notice anything suspicious or if an aircraft was in obvious danger as they watch them about the field.
Management were impressed with the calibre of the volunteers and they were advised that this was not a replacement for current security programs now in place, but rather an enhancement. Their direct action in offences-in-progress, should one occur, is fully discouraged. They are simply asked to be eyes and ears for the travelling public while they enjoy their favourite pastime.

Assessment
Although there is no minimum time a "spotter" must spend at the airport in order to take part in the program, the average "spotter" visits about five times per week with some visiting the airport about three times a day! Whether or not there is such a program in place, "spotters" will visit larger airports. What this program has done thus far, is to organize their presence by letting each know who the other bonafide "spotters" are for their own safety while in remote areas of the airport. It has made them more aware of the risks to security and safety at the airport so that they can call airport security directly if required. The program allows for some control over who these "spotters" are by conducting security checks and by providing some rules as to what they can do. As the "spotters" are now contributing directly to the well-being of the airport and all clients, it was approved that they be given escorted access once or twice a year to the apron for the viewing of a particular aircraft. During the meetings that took place to get this portion of the program off the ground, the Airport Authority provided for some refreshments and Ottawa Airport baseball hats for the "spotters".

Lessons Learned
The benefits to such a program are for everyone. Clearly, the winners are all those who can benefit from better security at and around airports at almost no cost. The RCMP can benefit from this program as we have a presence at all major airports, even if that presence is a plainclothes one at some of them. In any event, our clients everywhere cannot lose with such a program. The success of this initiative is showed in a recent a case where a spotter's connection with spotters at another airport (North Bay) enable us to track down the arrivals and departures of a suspect cargo company we were collecting intelligence on. Not only was the airline's presence confirmed, but the local spotter also had the registrations of each of their aircraft and the dates they were there. "Spotters" are now seen as an asset and they are actively supported by the airport authorities.
By using the Jetway Program (Hyperlink to Pipeline/Convoy/Jetway Best Practice) training and techniques and providing information to "spotters" on what to look for, it is anticipated that we will accomplish even better results in the detection and seizure of contraband from criminals using air and major airports as mode of transportation to move and smuggle illegal goods.
Contact Persons
Cst Jacques Brunelle
Ottawa (Macdonald-Cartier) International Airport
National Security Investigations Section,
Criminal Operations Branch, "A" Division,

Avman

And, if you’re still interested, below are some extracts from initial Calgary Airport Watch meetings. Although it is available on a public domain, I have removed names and edited non-pertinent contents.

UPDATE: November 7, 2006
Calgary Airport Watch Meeting
October 28, 2006
Executive Boardroom – Calgary International Airport
13:30
Meeting attended by:
xxxxxxx – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Chairman
xxxxxxx – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Vice-chair
xxxxxxx – Calgary Airport Authority Security Manager
xxxxxxx – Investigator, NSIS – RCMP
xxxxxxx – NCO IC NSIS – RCMP
xxxxxxx – Acting Sergeant, Calgary Police Service
Approximately 27 members of the CAW
Meeting called to order at 13:40 xxxxxxxxx – CAW Committee Chairman
Presentations:
xxxxxxx –
Explained about the upcoming notebook which will contain The Standard Operating Procedures, logbook etc. This will be distributed to CAW members when it becomes available.
Explained rules and limitations for the newly issued passes.
Explained that the soon to be issued jackets , t-shirts and passes are and will remain the property of the Calgary Airport Watch Program.
Gave a brief background about the program for the benefit of the new members.
xxxxxxx –
Explained about the increase in size and volume of business that takes place at YYC, some of the future plans for the airport and how the CAW program can help maintain this growth safely.
Emphasized the importance of not getting actively involved if one sees suspicious activity, but to report it the appropriate authorities.
xxxxxxx –
Explained the importance of building the integrity of the program, especially when wearing the CAW jackets or shirts, when spotting around the outer perimeter of the airport.
The behaviour and attitude of CAW members reflect on the program as a whole and is important so businesses in the area see how CAW can benefit their companies and come on board with the program.
xxxxxxx –
Welcomed CAW to the family and explained that CAW members should not get involved if they see anything suspicious and how they should observe, make notes if possible and contact the proper authorities.
xxxxxxx –
Explained more about the notebook and the importance that all CAW members keep a monthly log of their hours spent spotting at YYC.
An effort will be made to enable members to report their hours through the website using the number assigned on their passes.
This information is important to the National AW program and the CAA.
A form was passed around for members to fill requesting their jacket and shirt sizes so the committee can get an idea of what needs to be ordered. Design and colour has yet to be determined.
New members attending were given Security check applications to fill out and these will be processed by the RCMP before passes are issued.
Calgary Airport Watch Meeting
June 24, 2006
xxxxxxx – Explained the role of different security organizations at Calgary International Airport and the importance of vigiliance. Also outlined how the CAW Program will fit in to the existing structure.
xxxxxxx – Explained the National AW program and how programs in Ottawa and Toronto are operated, what they look out for, what some of the benefits of the program are for both AW groups, and local airport authorities. Talked about how the program is gradually expanding nationally and internationally as well.
Passes:
Information will be made available to members shortly for getting their picture taken for their pass that will be provided free of charge by the CAA. The final design is still pending. More information will be distributed as it becomes available.
Volunteer hours:
Importance was stressed to the CAW for tracking the hours that we’re out spotting and doing photography. They are VOLUNTEER hours that both the National AW program and the CAA are interested in tracking. Please forward your hours monthly to the CAW email.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Airport Watch program, it is currently operating in Toronto and Ottawa. It was started by the RCMP in Ottawa who felt that they could utilize aviation enthusiasts as an extra set of eyes on the airport perimeter. Spotters know the layout of airfields and what is suspicious, or outside of the usual activities. The program has proved so successful in Ottawa, that it has been adapted to Toronto. Similar programs have been started in England at various airports.
Each spotter will have a background check performed on them and issued a unique Airport Watch ID card. The idea is to be easily identified when spotting at various locations around the airport. This will hopefully mean a better understanding of what spotters are doing and ultimately less hassle.
As a benefit to spotters for their vigilance, the Calgary Airport Authority has suggested ramp tours when unique visitors are in town or other aviation related benefits. These privileges could happen as often as every two months, at the airport authority’s discretion. Although no solid commitments have been made, the Calgary Airport Authority is very excited about the Airport Watch program and our contribution to it and is looking for ways to thank us.
This program is a lot of work, particularly the initial startup and the organizational side. What I am looking for is the names of everyone interested and their mailing address. This will be passed onto the RCMP at a point later in time when we are closer to startup. The RCMP will use the address to distribute the form required to perform the background check.
The hope is to have operations beginning either in late April or early May. The Ottawa RCMP officer who began the program will provide us a presentation. At the first meeting we will elect our executive structure for a predetermined term.
I should also mention that the Ottawa and Toronto Airport Watch programs charge a minimal fee to participate in the program. I can assure you that the program is not designed to generate profits; it is merely there to cover operating fees. The Airport Watch program is run like a small business. I can understand the apprehension of some to pay a fee, but I am hoping the benefits will outweigh the cost. In Ottawa the cost is $30 per year, while Toronto is a one time $20 entrance cost. I would like to assure you that the cost in Calgary will be as small as possible and the bare minimum to cover expenses. With proper planning and having an understanding of the other Airport Watch programs we hope to better understand financial needs.

forget

Interesting idea. See last item here -

http://www.ianleader.flyer.co.uk/pfa...rs/April07.pdf

jetstream7

In the UK, there is already this scheme...

http://www.laasdata.com/taess.html

HEATHROW DIRECTOR

All clever stuff... but as far as the UK is cocerned, how does LAAS PROVE that an applicant is not a potential terrorist? As I see it, any Tom, Dick or Harry can join LAAS, or any aviation society, and apply for an LAAS badge; there seesm to be no positive vetting. If that's wrong please correct me. My wife and I are avid spotters and very interested.

PaperTiger

They don't; there's supposed to be a police background check done. And these schemes make the assumption that a potential terrorist is going to be hanging around the airport perimeter for extended periods. Unlikely IMO - the bad guys are much more interested in what goes on in the terminal or in finding a remote site for loosing off a SAM.

These programs do no harm I suppose; don't see that they do any good though.

Avman

Well, yes and no. True, it won't provide 100% security against the really bad guys. But then again who or what will? Properly administered I'd like to believe that such schemes do have merit. Additionally I also firmly believe that airports would vastly reduce their security headaches if they provided good public viewing/photography facilities rather than have members of the public scattered about all around the field. Unfortunately, I have to be cynical and say that IMHO some of today's so-called security experts are no more experts than my 2 year old grandson!

Gulf4uk

Have been discussing this elsewhere and would like to add a comment
that i feel this would probably be more of use at very large fields like
EGLL EGGW EGKKWhere there is a fair Mixture of aircraft operations
but at the GA field i cannot see the use of such other than Illegal
imports of drugs weapons \people keeping an eye open for those
.As for Fields like Farnborough the Airfield ops are more concerned I
feel with Clients privacy from Paperatzi Lens I may be wrong but
security from prying eyes comes first And moving Spotters closer
to the terminal would not appeal to them . Yes you can tell a
spotter from a press reporter well i could not be certain could you
there not going to waste time and money checking thats for sure
The local Police Here are not to bad we get the odd one or
two that like to be silly but in the main they stop and its the
usual check under the So called Act give you bit of paper
saying So and off they go if your decent enough no foul mouth
many will stand and chat look at pictures and things so it
isnt all bad .
Tony
Farnborough s

Avman

Gulf4UK - that's correct, this type of scheme is aimed more at the larger commercial airports rather than GA airfields.

Gulf4uk

That raises another small matter what about the weekender's dad and little Johnny and the none locals who are not registered and card holders there's always Some jobs worth With a NO CARD you cant stop here registered spotters only yes it will happen .for some perhaps a visiting Spotters phone number or EMAIL AD where you can inform local security of your intention to visit they might then give you points to look out for where not to go . just an idea to possibly please the majority Or am i just making work and cost but its somthing
that will need looking at the occasional Spotter

TONY

Avman

The way it works in Canada, is that dad and little Johnny are still welcome too. The basic idea of the scheme is not to discriminate against the general public but for the regulars to be known - and for them to report anything suspicious to the authorities. I have been to Toronto and just did my thing without any problems. The local Airport Watch guys were aware that I wasn't a regular but were satisfied that I was just another photographer. Had I done anything out of the ordinary I'm sure the cops would have been alerted and would have descended upon me in minutes. I also think that seeing a bunch of guys with AIRPORT WATCH jackets does provide some deterrent to would-be dodgy types.

Gulf4uk

hi

Thanks the basic idea seems very sound and could be ideal here
but as a watch.co-ordinator I Am a not sure i would Not want everyone
to clearly see who i am Perhaps in Canada its different but anyone
dressed like that would attract the idiot anti authority in UK
and abuse and trouble could happen . I wish the idea well if it
means at last we are not treated as GEEKS Or oh yes your
English they do things no one understands them


TONY

Hotel Tango

After recent events in London and more notably Glasgow, are amateur aviation photographers (entusiasts) going to be prevented from enjoying their hobby by ott kneejerk "security" restrictions and overzealous job's worth airport "officials"? Bet you the answer is Y E S !

HEATHROW DIRECTOR

I am a lifelong spotter and retired aviation professional. In these days of increased security I fully accept that my hobby must take a back seat. I have no problem with that whatsoever.

Hotel Tango

Heathrow Director, that's unfair. You know exactly what I mean. And by the way, I'm an active aviation professional who simply enjoys taking photos of airliners, an innocent hobby I've pursued for a great number of years. Checking my I/D and even vehicle etc., I have absolutely no problem with. But if our basic freedom to carry on with our lives is taken away from us, then the terrorists have won.

Gulf4uk

hi
Heathrow Director is correct in what he says we may have to put up with a few restrictions on our Hobby at any Airfield ,Or any Transport Facility mainly where we park or leave vehicles Unattended or perimeter roads ,Have ID on us its not
asking much is it but it will help everyone we Hope feel Safer BUT DON'T FORGET DIAL 999 Anything looks SUS
Tony
Farnborough Spotters

Cypherus

Should A/C spotting enthusiasts be restricted and will they feel targeted by these curbs on there hobby, for the responsible among them I doubt they will, but for those that feel in two minds on the subject it should be pointed out that the use of photographic records of a location is rather a double edged sword, in the hands of those bent on chaos to further their twisted aims they can be a useful if not vital planning tool in ensuring there weapons are placed in the location that causes most physical and political damage and of course ensure they manage to escape the consequences of their actions while in the hands of the security services and the police they are a vital tool in tracking and prevention of such crimes.

Sadly in the case of Glasgow they were found wanting and I am sure efforts will be made after the fact too rectify this failure.

But to all those snappers in that area in the weeks prior too this event right up and including the day it may just be that you hold the key in that absent minded pikkie you took at Glasgow airport to locating those responsible as to be certain they were there in plain view for all to see.

So while a few restriction may be irksome to some of you, have quick scan through your shots and just maybe….?

Hotel Tango

Cypherus, you talk like the security people think: rubbish! members of the travelling public on vacation are more likely to have shots of airport buildings, check-in areas etc than spotters. Spotters, on the whole, photograph aircraft - not the front or interior of terminal buildings, car parks or other airport structures. The greatest proportion of photos are of aircraft on taxyways/runways/approach/take-off. Most aircraft photographers do not want clutter (such as buildings/people) in their aircraft photos and try and avoid such clutter whenever possible.

hobie

Our Local airport viewing areas have been decimated as a result of Peeps who park up for weeks on end and hang there washing on the perimeter fence ( a relatively new phenomina) ...... 911 of course .... and finally the $$$$$ anti-war brigade who try to attack anything painted grey (the final nail in the coffin) ......

we used to have a good few hundred mtrs of perimeter road immediately adjacent to the main runway with full visibility on approach ....full runway ...and departure (in fact the whole airport) where you could park up on a solid parking strip .... wave to passengers/friends (even Concorde Pilots, I rem ) or do all the normal things spotters do if that was your interest ....

I used to get a kick in the early PC days of taking photo's like the one below ....

but it's all gone ..... a 50 mtr long area now available .... no approach visibility at all on 24 ...... and limited parking of course .....

Even the 'old dog' misses our trips down to the airport viewing area ..... ......

http://tinypic.com/in4lrs.jpg