Mike Chambless received the memo
”
months ago
”
regarding concerns about potential Al Qaida plans to use small
airplanes in terrorist acts
– the same alert released by federal authorities this week in
light of the Sept. 11 anniversary.
Mike Chambless received the memo “months ago” regarding concerns about potential Al Qaida plans to use small airplanes in terrorist acts – the same alert released by federal authorities this week in light of the Sept. 11 anniversary.
Chambless has become all too familiar with airport security regulations since taking over as Hollister’s airport manager in early 2008. On the other hand, though, he can’t share much if any information about the topic because of sensitivity involved.
Chambless took the post in February 2008, his first job running an airport. Before that, Chambless had spent his career as a parks employee in San Jose and Salinas.
“It’s something to worry about, but the reality is, it’s a small chance,” Chambless said, regarding potential terrorist plots at small airports like the one in Hollister.
He noted that most people using the local airport are there daily.
“They’re hyper-vigilant,” he said, “and they’re not shy about challenging people that don’t belong. Obviously, airports have security measures in place. We all have security plans in place, but I can’t go into a lot of details.”
Chambless said he worked closely with the Transportation Security Administration to develop a security plan for the Hollister airport. On the downside, he said, the TSA does not provide funding to the small airport.
“Those funds get swallowed up by the Part 139 airports, the big ones, where there’s passenger traffic,” he said, adding that Homeland Security funds have gone to local emergency responders.
Authorities are focusing on the theory about smaller airplanes because they could be easier targets for security breaches. While the alert from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security pointed to concerns about private airplanes in particular, Hollister has a wide variety of other aircraft users such as police, military, Calfire and air ambulances, Chambless said.
Although Chambless declined to talk about security procedures, he said there have been “many layers of security added” since Sept. 11, 2001.
“This place is hugely different,” he said. “It’s got fences. Before people could drive out on runways at night and go hot rodding.”
Look for more Sept. 11 profiles in the Pinnacle on Friday.
