What to look out for
Unusual or suspicious circumstances could include:
- Light aircraft/helicopters performing circuits over private airstrips as if looking to see if there is anyone waiting on the ground to meet them
- Packages being transferred from an aircraft to a vehicle in unusual locations, such as a remote part of an airfield. Participants acting furtively or nervously
- Windsocks in unfamiliar places
- Sightings of aircraft on the ground at normally disused airstrips
- Evidence of unauthorised activity at your airstrip, such as fresh tyre marks
- Activity at previously unused airstrips, such as temporary landing lights, vehicles parked in such a way as to illuminate strips or to act as a navigation port
- Overhead radio communication between aircraft and vehicles/persons on the ground at normally disused airstrips
- 'Strangers' trying to hire your aircraft, or an aircraft belonging to club members
- 'Strangers' wanting permission to use your airstrip for non valid reasons
- Flying at night or in poor visibility without navigation lights
- Night flying at non-licenced airports
- Evidence of small fires in fields which may indicate a landing site
- Flying at low altitude, especially when approaching the coastline
- Extra fuel tanks on aircraft, or doors which have been re-hinged from above
- Evidence of adaptation of aircraft for concealment purposes
If you do notice something unusual:
- Do not involve yourself
- Do not touch any suspect package
- Make a note of any registration numbers or markings
- Contact the Ports Unit or Police immediately. Your information will be treated in confidence - Telephone 101.
