Flight School Security Awareness Training for Aircraft and Simulators

October 26, 2004
Scenarios – Flight Training Center with Simulators

Question
An individual approaches you at the Rental Desk wishing to rent simulator time. The individual presents seemingly valid airmen certificates, but needs a lot of help with the terminology when filling out some of the paper work. He is unsure of how much time he needs to rent and does not know which type of simulator he wants to train in. Some of his questions about the various simulators seem bizarre and clearly show that he does not have a corresponding level of aviation knowledge.

Answer
Your first response should be to question the individual. Question the person about their aeronautical experience and observe their behavior as each question is answered. Ask the individual for proof of U.S. Citizenship. Try to determine if the customer’s answers are truthful or evasive, direct, nervous and/or hesitant? In what simulator types have they trained? Why do they want to rent simulator time today? What other types of aircraft have they flown? In what other parts of the country have they flown? Where did they receive their flight training? How long have they been flying? Observe the individual for obvious nervous behavior and lack of eye contact. Depending on how the customer reacts to questions such as these, you may want to contact a supervisor and bring them and/or a chief pilot in on the conversation. They can help assess the individual’s answers and level of knowledge. If the supervisor believes something is amiss, they should report the incident to the General Aviation (GA) Hotline or Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC) (703-563-3240).

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