Comments on: Safety of Security

By: Jose

Jose — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:47:01 +0000

The answer to most of these problems was thought out a long time ago by the folks who founded this country. It is called the Second Amendment.

Jose

By: George Horn

George Horn — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:53:58 +0000

Although their discouragement factor is likely good, most prop-locks will damage YOUR aircraft in any attempted start by Mr. Stoopid. (And anyone up to the sort of mischief involving aircraft theft will certainly meet that description.)
Even owners and renters have been known to fail to perform pre-flight inspections and started their aircraft with the prop-lock installed.
If you use one, MAKE IT HIGHLY VISIBLE FROM THE COCKPIT with a rigid flag, etc., if you can imagine a hurried human to ever get in the cockpit.

By: Brad

Brad — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:25:44 +0000

Ialways lockup my plane. Just like my car. I would feel bad if some kids got a hold of it and hurt themselves. I believe that not taking extra efforts in security is like giving permission to the press to make us look bad. That being said, I’ve noticed making cars real hard to steal has created a new problem, CARJACKING! It seems to me last time I looked, the MO for the terrorists was to grab a plane that is in operation. So as you unchain, unlock, and unblock any systems that are diabled, that is the time you would be in the most danger. (Notice I said “you” and not “the plane”). Unlike the carjacker the terrorist will give no quarter. Hey TSA, let’s setup a program where we use our planes as BAIT. In the future ADS-B may be the answer, they could add digital finger print and retina scan ID, codes and all that. Ooooh, a level of control bureaucrats of generations past could only dream of.

By: Tom Shappell

Tom Shappell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:57:57 +0000

Solution, I believe, is for a secondary fuel shutoff, known only by the owner! Hanger your aircraft; lock the doors; shut off the fuel……………….personal creativity can now come into play! What terrorist, drunk or drug addict is going to hang around longer than a few dozen cranks, with no results? He has made noise, is frustrated, and needs to get out of there! The coup de’ grace is to leave a permanent notice by the door, “Your efforts will not go unrewarded; you are now part of the FBI photo contest”!

By: Kenneth Farhang

Kenneth Farhang — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:14:43 +0000

can you send me info for the throttle lock. where to buy it??
thanks. KF

By: Cliff Ball

Cliff Ball — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:04:01 +0000

99.827 % of the pilots I know are mature, responsibile individuals, or, they aren’t around that long. While a safety reminder ever so often doesn’t hurt, a constant hammering on the subject is stupid. TSA and Homeland Security would be of a great deal more use on the border since 33% of our prison population are illegals. How many of those guys fly airplanes anyways, don’t sound like many.

By: Ohio Dave

Ohio Dave — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:38:31 +0000

Why not allow pilots to carry guns? If hijacked we are the first to die, insurance does not cover airplane if used in act of war or terrorism so what better way of protecting your self? You can lock the hanger door, throttle lock, door lock, prop lock but that is only a slow down device. As stated accurately most GA airplanes can’t carry enough weight to do any damage.

I have ask State of Ohio and AOPA about changing the law so we can carry guns while at airport and flying. We would have the best reason to fight the terrorists… protecting our lifes and families. Pretty good drive to “get the job done” wouldn’t you say.

I believe this is all hog wash as most GA airplanes can not do the damage that large airliners can do but the news media and government has everyone believing they can.

I would do my best to kill someone that was trying to kidnap me… just allow me the tools to do that job.

Ohio Dave

By: Bruce

Bruce — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:44:49 +0000

Whether we’re dealing with terrorists, smugglers, or just joy riders, I’ve always thought airplanes were too easy to steal. I’ve rented and instructed, but if I owned my own aircraft, I’d want more security.

I have seen motorcycles with disk brakes that have numerous holes in the disks, for cooling, I presume. This tells me that it is functionally OK to have holes in brake disks. So – why not have holes in aircraft brake disks and then make a deadbolt type pin locking mechanism that inserts into one of the holes in the disk and locks the wheel. Such a device would cause a thief as much delay as a throttle lock, prop lock, or boot chock and be as lightweight and easy to use as a throttle lock. Actually, with one on each wheel, it would cause more delay.

The locking device could be permanently incorporated into the brakes with the pin extending through a hole in the center of the brake calipers. Or, it could be like another set of calipers permanently mounted ahead of or behind the actual brake calipers. Or, it could be portable and just stick into a hole and lock onto the disk like a padlock, and would stop the wheel when it bumped into the brake calipers.

The permanently affixed type would have the advantage of not needing to be kept someplace else when not in use, and not risking damage to the brake calipers, since it wouldn’t bump into them. If it were made inconspicuous enough, it could cause a thief further delay and possibly attract some attention, as the thief may not discover it until first starting the engine and failing to be able to move the aircraft.

Engaging the pin on the permanently affixed type would require pushing the aircraft a little bit until the pin lined up with the hole. It may be desirable to have holes no more than about an inch apart around the brake disk. If the permanently affixed type accidentally locked itself in flight, there would be serious consequences upon landing, so some very positive means of assuring that doesn’t happen would be essential – such as being unable to remove the key unless it is fully locked closed or fully locked open, and the strong recommendation that the brake key be kept on the same keychain or key ring as the ignition key.

Such a lock might be desirable for automotive use as well, but for that purpose, it may need to be key activated from the driver’s seat (or with a remote) in order to have user appeal. For aircraft use, activation from the cockpit or by remote would, I believe, have too great a weight penalty as well as being more difficult to make failsafe.

I know the aircraft version of this will need a lot of paperwork and FAA approval to implement, but I’m sure there is somebody more ambitious and enterprising than I am who can take this timely idea and run with it.

By: David

David — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:21:07 +0000

We have a place in Baja and a 210 with all 3 locks ,,,Throttle/Wheel/Prop were in place and cut of with a torch in 10 minutes and the airplane disappeared ……

We need a better solution here …. like a secret switch or built in throttle lock!!!!
GPS Trackers that come on when the airplane is powered up would help locate
stolen planes …………………………….

By: John Hensley

John Hensley — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:45:46 +0000

I agree with Bill in part; that is, locks are for honest people. Having said that, there is the ocassional drunk/drug addict that sneaks onto the field and thinks a joy ride is in order. Usually that idot make such a mess and loud noise with the gate/fence and/or the airplane trying to get in they get caught.
So, is there an answer for one and all-NO. Its an individual choice for the security of your airplane.
In my opinion, simply the best you can do is lock the doors and window and baggage compartments. Don’t leave headsets and other valuables in plain sight. Use sun shields to cover all windows. There cheap, go to any auto parts and make your own for under $30.00. If the thief can’t see what he is going to steal, then maybe he will move onto the next airplane that displays a nice pair of headsets.
As to prop locks-no way-to much potential for major damage. As to wheel lock, to heavy to take with you from overnight airport to airport. As to the throttle lock, a thief takes a marine can used for an airhorn and freeze blasts the lock, wacked it with a hammer, and now the lock is broken. His can of break the lock costs less than $10.00. So you spend $30.00+ for a throttle lock. I don’t think so.
Lock up the locks and cover up the windows. Oh yeah, don’t forget insurance. It pays to have it.