CAA: GA News, "County airport to get added security"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Saturday, October 12, 2002

County airport to get added security with system donated by Entergy
by Carol Thompson
The Fulton Valley News, NY


A new state-of-the art security system will be added at the Oswego
County Airport, Oswego County Legislature Chairman Morris Sorbello
announced Tuesday, October 8.

The new system was donated by Entergy Nuclear, owner of the James A.
FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Scriba. It provides around-the-clock
monitoring of the airport grounds, according to Sorbello.

Located on County Route 176, the county airport was originally used a
flight training school during World War II. The airport sees
approximately 35,000 take-offs and landings of private planes and
corporate jets each year, according to county officials. The airport is
operated by the county's Department of Public Works.

Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, general aviation airports have
been scrutinized by the national media. The Federal Aviation
Administration did not place general aviation airports under any special
security measures after the attacks. 

While some believe that small aircraft pose no risk to public safety,
there are others who do.

As reported in the Oct. 13, 2001 issue of The Valley News, a resident
reported last Oct. 4 that a security gate at the county airport was left
open. When The Valley News arrived, the gate was open and the reporter
was able to freely access the airstrip. 

At that time, Bruce Bisbo, deputy director of Auxiliary Services, said
the gates, which are electronically controlled, may have experienced a
malfunction. "Private airports aren't viewed as a threat," Bisbo said
when questioned about the unlocked gate.

Sorbello saw it differently. A licensed pilot himself, he said he feared
it would be too easy to fly a crop duster out of the airport unnoticed. 

"The primary concern of Oswego County government is the well-being of
county residents," Sorbello stated. "Since 9-11 occurred, we have all
experienced a heightened awareness of security issues at all public
facilities. This generous donation by Entergy will provide for a safer
and more secure county airport facility for years to come."

After the new equipment is installed, Entergy staff will provide
assistance with startup, operation, and turnover of the system to the
county.

"I am extremely grateful to the people at Entergy Nuclear for their
assistance in making our facilities as secure as possible," Sorbello
said.. "Over the last 20 years, county government has developed the
airport into an outstanding asset to our county and the surrounding
region. Every effort has been made to use federal and state resources to
modernize the facilities and ensure proper maintenance of the airport
infrastructure. We look forward to continuing a partnership that
benefits all of the community."


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