When we were undertaking pilot training last week at a rural airport a couple of teenage kids managed to sneak into the training area where we were doing circuit training. They didn't cause a hassle and they were escorted away very promptly. Is it illegal for them to do that?
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Answer by Andrea Stein, Brisbane 4000 QLD
- It is possible that what these teenagers have done constitutes unlawful interference with aviation. Runway safety is one of the most important areas of aviation security.
- An unlawful interference with aviation is referred to as an aviation security incident.
- Importantly an aircraft operator commits an offence if they become aware of a security incident and elect not to report this to the relevant authority.
- If these teenagers jeopardised the safe operation of your airport then they are likely to have committed unlawful interference. If this continues to happen the airport may need to investigate more thorough security procedures to prevent this from happening.