[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E353-E354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RESOLUTION COMMENDING AOPA FOR AIRPORT WATCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2003

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
to commend the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's (AOPA) for its 
contribution to the Airport Watch Program.
  General aviation and private pilots have a proud and patriotic 
history of working to keep America secure. During the Second World War, 
private pilots in the Civil Air Patrol were our eyes in the sky, 
watching over our coasts for Nazi Uboats and patrolling our borders for 
enemy saboteurs. As we fight this new war on terrorism, we must 
remember general aviation's proud history. We must make sure to employ 
the GA community as an ally, not to treat it with suspicion.
  The Airport Watch Program is contemporary example of general aviation 
worldng to keep this country secure. The Airport Watch Program is a 
collaborative effort between AOPA and the Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA) to enhance security at our Nation's 5,400 public 
use airports. Airport Watch will enlist the help of those most familiar 
with airports and pilots to be our eyes and ears. Modeled after the 
highly successful neighborhood watch programs, Airport Watch will 
enlist the help of the more than 550,000 general aviation pilots by 
giving every pilot an important role to monitor community airports.
  Airport Watch also encourages pilots to report any suspicious airport 
activity to a TSA-sponsored toll free hotline (1-866-GA Secure) staffed 
by the federal government's National Response Center. Additionally, the 
program includes warning signs for airports, informational literature, 
and training videotapes to educate pilots and airport employees on how 
security of their airports and aircraft can be enhanced.
  This groundbreaking program is just one example of AOPA's leadership 
in promoting national security while preserving freedom of the skies. 
Further, this partnership between government and private citizens 
represents what can be achieved when we work together to address the 
security of the homeland.
  Again, I want to commend the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 
for designing this

[[Page E354]]

proactive security program. I strongly support this resolution and urge 
its approval.

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