[JYO] TSA explains to AOPA need for increased vigilance 9:08:50PM

Terrorist threat assessment raised to "high" risk
TSA explains to AOPA need for increased vigilance

Update: Sept. 10, 9:08:50 PM ET — In a special phone conversation with TSA 
head Admiral James Loy and his top deputies, AOPA President Phil Boyer 
learned that pilots are being asked to exercise extreme vigilance and 
cooperation as an alternative to new security procedures and airspace 
restrictions. The call was in response to this afternoon's announcement by 
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Office of Homeland Security chief Tom 
Ridge that the federal government had raised the terror alert level for the 
first time to code orange, meaning a "high" danger of attack. That level 
requires government agencies to increase their security efforts.

"Secretary Mineta advised the transportation community, 'do not be alarmed, 
but be alert,'" said Boyer. Because transportation modes are known to be 
favorite terrorist targets, pilots must be vigilant. Pilots should expect 
increased local law enforcement surveillance at general aviation airports 
during this time of heightened vigilance.

Pilots are asked to watch for anything unusual or suspicious at the airport. 
Report any such activity to local law enforcement. Secure your aircraft 
before walking away from it.

Because of the heightened state of alert, incursions into restricted airspace 
can be expected to bring rapid and perhaps harsh response by authorities. TSA 
emphasized that there is an "enormous seriousness" to the TFRs, and pilots 
must be careful to strictly adhere to all ATC procedures. For the first time, 
Washington, D.C., has been ringed with live anti-aircraft weapons.

Pilots are reminded of the TFRs surrounding tomorrow's 9/11 ceremonies in <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/010915tfr.html#2/9367";>
Washington, D.C.</A>; <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/010915tfr.html#2/9368";>New 
York City</A>; and <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/010915tfr.html#2/9366";>Pennsylvania</A>.
 In the Washington, D.C., 
area, Potomac and College Park airports will be totally closed during the 
time of the ceremonies. However, AOPA staff has learned that this restriction 
may be extended through Thursday.

Through <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/010915tfr.html#2/9579";>a new 
notam</A> issued late on Tuesday, the TSA has also revoked all 
waivers from notam 3353 that prohibits general aviation operations for 3 
miles and 3,000 feet over sporting events (stadiums) and open-air assemblies. 
This effectively eliminates banner-towing operations at these sites.

While the greatest threat appears to be to U.S. embassies, military bases, 
and other interests overseas, intelligence officials also fear low-level al 
Qaeda operatives might attempt small-scale attacks in the United States.

Based on information from a suspected al Qaeda operative, and corroborated 
using other intelligence assets, the government believes U.S. assets in 
Southeast Asia are especially at risk. However, because the information may 
be incomplete, and because communications among terrorists a year ago 
followed a similar pattern and also indicated overseas targets, President 
Bush decided to raise the threat level assessment at home as well.

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