CAA: GA News, "Small airports batten down"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Friday, October 26, 2001

Small airports batten down 
Security enhancements include fencing, increasing vigilance
By David Eck
The Cincinnati (OH) Enquirer


   While major airports quickly beefed up security after the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks, smaller airports have also begun increasing their
safeguards and paying more attention to activity on their fields. 

   "We're putting together an upgraded security plan," said Dan Dickten,
manager at Cincinnati's Lunken Airport. "We're trying to be proactive.
We've gone out and made some assessments as to where the soft spots
are." 

   Other Tristate airports, from Blue Ash to Fairfield, are also adding
security measures. And Lunken has doubled a security upgrade that was in
the works before Sept. 11. It now will spend more than $100,000 for
security enhancements. 

   The additions will primarily focus on new fencing and gates around
the facility, Mr. Dickten said. They could be under way by the end of
the year. 

   "We just want to make sure we keep the flying and the surrounding
communities safe and secure," he said. "There still will be access to
the apron by those who have a need to be there." 

   Though the airport currently does not have to contend with stronger
security requirements because there is no regularly scheduled service
there, officials at smaller fields are anticipating new Federal Aviation
Administration regulations in light of the attacks. The FAA twice
temporarily grounded crop-dusting planes around the nation because of
indications that terrorists considered using them. 

   "We are required to ... limit access onto the movement (part) of the
airport," Mr. Dickten said. "We do have a good fence around the
facility. We're working ahead of the game." 

   New FAA requirements could eventually include higher security fences,
controlled security identification areas and screenings of those
entering the airport, Mr. Dickten said. 

   At the same time, airport officials want to make sure new security
measures don't ruin the atmosphere of the historic airfield. The
1,000-acre Lunken has an extensive play field and is a popular draw for
aircraft buffs and non-fliers. 

   At Blue Ash Airport, officials are relying on increased patrols by
hired security and local police to help keep that airfield secure. The
Blue Ash field is also owned by Cincinnati. 

   "We are also looking at making security improvements over there," Mr.
Dickten said. "There needs to be additional gates and fencing
improvements." 

   Officials at Butler County Regional Airport in Fairfield are planning
new fencing around that facility. 

   "We're just about to sign some paperwork for a ($150,000) grant from
the FAA for fencing around the airport," said Ron Davis, airport
administrator. "It'll get a little more than three-fourths of it. It'll
get the areas that we really have major concerns with." 

   Butler airport officials have also contacted local police to step up
patrols and are keeping a closer eye out for suspicious activities. 

   "The changes that we're making to make it more secure, I think
everybody was expecting that," Mr. Davis said. "Since the event (Sept.
11), it's just solidified that thought." 

   Brian Carr, owner/manager of the Warren County Airport, said his
employees are paying closer attention to action at the airport in
Turtlecreek Township, and are keeping more detailed records of those
using the field. 

   Officials at the Clermont County Airport would not comment on
security procedures there, citing security reasons. 

   Ron Davis, manager of Butler County Regional Airport in Fairfield,
stands near new fencing near the airport's new terminal, which is under
construction.

   Post your opinion on this story in the CAA General Aviation Forum
http://www.californiaaviation.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?conf=DCConfID2

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