Flight School Security Awareness Training for Aircraft and Simulators

October 26, 2004
Scenarios – Flight Training Center with Simulators

Question
You are giving a lesson on take-off procedures but the student is constantly asking questions that do not seem relevant to the instruction. Some of the questions include, “When we get into the simulator, will we be able to fly over any major U.S. cities and bridges?” Or, “Do you think we could fly over the Golden Gate Bridge?” Or, “Does the simulator have a daylight visual model of New York City or of Washington, DC?”

Answer
Your first response should be to inform a supervisor. Contacting the supervisor in this instance is a judgment call by the instructor over what may seem relevant in the course of instruction. Remember that students are encouraged to ask questions. However, if over time the instructor feels the student’s focus is not 100% on the flight course or the student has ulterior motives by asking questions that do not relate to the subject being taught, the instructor should consult with other instructors and supervisory staff to determine if a pattern of behavior exists that warrants closer examination. Questions being described as odd or inappropriate for the instruction or even asked infrequently may not be readily apparent as a student with ulterior motives may be smart enough not to call undue attention to themselves. However, this behavioral pattern coupled with other similar types of “warning” behaviors discussed in previous and subsequent slides should prompt an immediate call to local law enforcement and the General Aviation (GA) Hotline or Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC) (703-563-3240).

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