Flight School Security Awareness Training for Aircraft and Simulators

October 26, 2004
Scenarios – Flight Training Center with Simulators

Question
An individual wishing to rent simulator time wants to know what type of simulators are available for rent, how much they cost, and if he needs to be accompanied by an instructor. This individual seems unfamiliar with aviation training center procedures and requirements when trying to rent simulator time from this facility.

Answer
Your first response should be to question the individual. This may not be an uncommon occurrence if this person is newly rated in large aircraft has never rented simulator time. If the individuals have not rented simulator time recently, they may be unfamiliar with the new regulations for flight training of non-U.S. Citizens or the requirements to establish U.S. Citizenship. It may be simply that more information is required of an individual desiring to rent simulator time in one location as opposed to another. By questioning the individual you should be able to make a reasonable determination that their intentions are honest as well as legal.

Question
When instructing one of your students on cockpit procedures and systems instrumentation, he suddenly says, “Do you think it would be possible to fly an aircraft into the Hoover Dam? Imagine all of the damage that would cause.” This is clearly a threat/statement inconsistent with normal aircraft use.

Answer
Your first response should be to contact local law enforcement. Remarks or statements inconsistent with normal aircraft use and/or statements of a threatening nature are not only inappropriate, but should also be taken seriously, even if made in jest. Therefore, it is appropriate to immediately contact local law enforcement authorities and report the incident to a supervisor for follow-on actions. Additionally, the student should be denied use of the simulator for flight training and/or denied simulator rental privileges until the matter is resolved. Supervisors are also encouraged to contact the General Aviation (GA) Hotline or Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC) and report incidents of this nature.

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