Strengthening General Aviation Security

November 2011

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Introduction

• In the Canadian security context General Aviation (GA) refers to the broad spectrum of on-demand operations beyond the regularly scheduled commercial flights, including business aviation, private aviation, flight schools, tourist and charter flights and many other industries

• The absence of a policy for securing general aviation has been identified as a vulnerability in Canada’s overall security regime, one that could be exploited by terrorists. Calls for increased security have come from a variety of bodies

• The Commission of Inquiry into the Investigation of the Bombing of Air India 182;

• The Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defense; and• The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Act Review Panel

Recent U.S. Intelligence Bulletin Concerning General Aviation

• A United States (U.S.) intelligence bulletin issued on September 2, 2011 indicated that AQ and its affiliates view the U.S. GA sector as an attractive target

• Expressed desire to obtain aviation training, particularly on small aircraft;• Discussed obtaining private aircraft to carry explosives;• Expressed interest in finding a western operative that can travel with ease

through to the United States and Europe for flight training; and• Considered renting private planes for use in attacks, believing supervision

to be lax.

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General Aviation Security – International Context

• Internationally, a number of Canada’s major partners have either developed, or are moving forward with plans to enhance GA security. For example:

Australia• Requires in legislation and regulation that GA operators and private pilots secure

their aircraft;• Working with industry to examine options for enhancing security of larger charter

operations.

United States• Requires operators of private charter aircraft exceeding 100,300 lbs

(approximately 60 seats and above) ensure that all passengers and accessible baggage be screened;

• Operators of private aircraft exceeding 12,500 lbs, typically 18 seats and above, required to implement security programs and the designation of security coordinator;

• Mandatory security awareness training for instructors and other flight school staff; and

• Established the General Aviation Secure Program in 2002, with an emphasis on greater security vigilance by GA operators (voluntary).

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General Aviation Security – Canadian Context

• In an effort to address these concerns Transport Canada commenced a review of Canada’s GA security posture, which included

• 2008 Interdepartmental Risk Assessment of the overall risk associated with GA operations

• Informal consultations in 2009-2010 with key stakeholders

• Limited site visits, including to fixed base operations (FBOs), flight schools and GA operations at both large and small airports

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What we learned

• The 2008 risk assessment revealed that every type of GA operation involves some degree of risk, however

• The overall threat and impact levels are low;• The characteristics of a particular GA operation (e.g., the size and nature of

the aircraft, and how that aircraft could be used by terrorists) are key for determining the risk

• e.g., It is relatively easy to acquire a small private aircraft, but the the likelihood of inflicting significant damage with the aircraft itself is minimal.

• Discussions with stakeholders revealed the following;• A wide variation in security awareness• Preference for voluntary measures;• Desire that any government approach reflect the real risk to GA; and• Stakeholder collaboration in the development of any future policy

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Working With Industry to Find Solutions

• Focusing on mitigation measures that balance the risk with the need to facilitate on-demand aviation operations.

• Developing a variety of tools to address the different risks, recognizing that “one size doesn’t fit all.”

• What will this look like?

• An emphasis on voluntary measures, increasing awareness, establishing and following through on best practices; and

• Developing more formal security arrangements, such as MOUs or regulations, where the risk level warrants it.

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Current Status / Next Steps

• Maintaining and strengthening linkages to the GA community so any increase in threat can be communicated quickly

• GA community included in TC Operations Security Updates

• Developing a Canadian approach to GA security• General Aviation Security Working Group established, comprised of

government and industry (including ATAC) and chaired by TC, to examine gaps in the GA sector, along with possible mitigation strategies (January 2011);

• Updating threat assessment to take into account recent intelligence (October 2011);

• Looking at the different segments of GA and identifying appropriate tools for each

• Implementing mitigation measures that balance the risk with the need to facilitate on-demand aviation operations