Just a Light Trim Around the Airport, Please

Pull out those gardening shears! High bushes and weeds may be safe havens for criminals at your airport. “This is one of many security improvements that stem from a concept called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design,” says Dave Hook, President of Planehook Aviation Services, LLC. This anticrime and antiterrorism measure is an example of the low-cost security solutions in the company’s bag of tricks.

“Take a good look at the perimeter of your airport. If there are trees or shrubs blocking the line-of-sight to areas where aircraft tie-down, taxi, or takeoff, then airport managers may want to prune them back, trim them down, or remove them completely,” offers Planehook’s senior officer. But he doesn’t think airports need to be devoid of plants. Only the plants close to the airport fence that are high enough and deep enough to offer concealment for criminals or terrorists should receive special attention from airport management and local law enforcement.

Trimming the bushes around the airport also offers other benefits. “Proper trimming of bushes and hedges around the airport allows better distribution of light from street lamps and other light sources which improves both safety and security,” further offers Hook. Trimming bushes near the runway can also reduce a potential bird-strike safety hazard as some birds build their nests in them.

Dedicated to the needs of general aviation, Planehook Aviation Services, LLC began providing its unique version of security in December 2004. The company motto, “Securing aviation one airport at a time,” underscores their approach. The company website, http://www.planehook.com, provides further information on their refreshingly low-tech, low-cost approach to what is normally an expensive industry.
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Contact Information

David C. Hook

President

Planehook Aviation Services, LLC

Contact via E-mail