Security comes from a combination of policy, procedure and technology–nuts and bolts. All three have received their fair share of attention since September 11, but the demand for security hardware is the most tangible manifestation of how aviation has changed. Pre-existing examples of technology–from sophisticated electronic surveillance systems to simple wheel locks–have been improved. New ideas, software and systems have been developed, some of which remain secret. There are suites to protect individual aircraft, and there are systems to make entire flight department areas and FBOs more secure.
Securaplane of Tucson, Ariz., is an industry leader in individual aircraft security systems. More than 600 aircraft are flying with Securaplane systems on board, ranging in price from about $35,000 to more than $100,000, depending on the level of sophistication. The 11-lb Ultra-Lite system is the least expensive and includes door-panel and wheelwell sensors to detect intrusions. Designed for helicopters and light to midsize business jets, its digital alarm indicator mounts inside an external door and has a 10-character scrolling LED display that the company claims is easy to learn. The master control display unit permanently stores more than 1,600 events, including arm/disarm times, as well as the time and endurance of any intrusion. The battery pack is good for three to five days, and a solar panel option extends battery life even further.
More In Safety
