Interesting that they consider a security breach by the media as more likely
than a plane being stolen and used in an attack





TO: All Massachusetts Airports

FROM: Arthur G. Allen, Chairman

DATE: March 22, 2005

New information from Homeland Security and the Transportation Security
Administration indicate that recently intercepted telephone traffic and
other intelligence suggest that there may be an elevated risk for General
Aviation Airports and the small aircraft fleet. We at the MAC have asked for
your cooperation before on this matter and we are back with a new emphasis.
We are now under two threats. First, there is a real attempt to use a stolen
aircraft in a terrorist event. Even more likely, as shown on television last
week, is an attempt to demonstrate a lack of security by a media outlet.

Newspapers and television stations have tried around the country and, on
many occasions, have succeeded in compromising General Aviation airport's
security measures. If a station is able to broadcast footage showing
reporters around aircraft that are not secure, or are able to film from an
Aircraft Operating Area (AOA) without being challenged, we have failed. We
must be sure that people are challenged if they do not have an ID badge.
This is critical. A real incident or a media manufactured incident would not
speak well for general aviation security.

Please notify user groups and staff as soon as possible to:

· Lock all cockpits, remove keys from ignitions and secure aircraft from
flight;

· Wear ID badge on the entire airport property and (AOA);

· Challenge anyone on a ramp (AOA) to show you an authorized ID badge;

· Report unauthorized (unbadged) people to airport management or security
immediately. (This must be done when in doubt);

· If you see a film crew on the airport, ask them who they are and whether
they have received permission from the airport manager to film. Ask for ID
badges. If they do not produce badges, usher them off the airports and alert
the local police.Newspaper reporters are not authorized to breach security
by entering the AOA. See a badge or see them out;

· Don't allow an unidentified person to pass by you because you think
challenging them is someone else's job. If you want to preserve our freedom
to fly without additional burdens and restrictions being forced upon us, it
is everyone's job to insist in security measures. Don't cause the general
aviation industry to be impacted because you were embarrassed to ask someone
for a badge or too complacent to lock your aircraft. We are all counting on
each other.

Please be aware of planned security tests by the Massachusetts State Police
and others. They are coming soon to your airport again, (you are now on
notice).

Call us at the MAC with questions at (617) 973-8881. "Do not assume
anything. Lock up and challenge everyone. Please!"