The only way you can prevent that is with more bodies on the airport driving around the airplanes with flashing lights. Contraband and smuggling is not a problem for many airport managers, although FAA obviously is aware that some stolen aircraft eventually wind up being used in the drug trade. Airport personnel normally only get involved with this issue to the extent that they become extra eyes and ears for law enforcement personnel reporting unusual activity, says John Pokryfke, Fort Lauderdale Executive assistant airport manager-operations. Drug enforcement notwithstanding, fencing and electronic, coded gates become the first line of defense against airside incursions. Somehow, you have to increase revenues to pay for increased security.
Available Resources Finding the money in the budget is the biggest problem.
Ideally you would have a chain link fence topped with barbed wire, with gates and security codes, but the FAA resources don't stretch that far. Indeed, she indicated that Tyler adheres to security requirements mandated under Part 139 to guard against inadvertent entry. We try to do it with just barriers and signs saying 'No unauthorized persons beyond this point,' but we probably need better fencing. She added, however that FAA surveillance of such problems is increasing. Meacham's Thompson echoed the belief of many airport managers when he said enforcement is the key, which means a dedicated security force.