Security is a big concern in Europe and the EBAA is involved in on-going security discussions both at national level and at European level with the European Commission and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC).

EBAA president Brian Humphries says: "The Association has been leading the policy debate in view of the adoption of security rules specific to business aviation operations in Europe. It continues to work with both the Commission and member states to help them develop the most appropriate rules for the sector to the benefit of users and public alike. The rules would preferably be on a Europe-wide basis rather than by derogation to member states which would potentially lead to 27 different sets of rules for business aviation security."

The working group includes Abelag's Anne Blume, the BBGA's Guy Lachlan, EBAA France's Michel de Ronne, GBAA's Ralf Schwiebus, Mark Wilson of NetJets Europe and the chairman Pedro Vicente Azua.

The NBAA recommends that flight department personnel complete annual security training and remain vigilant to note any changes in emotional well-being and health of all crew members, ground personnel and passengers. It advocates a checklist that includes ensuring there is:

• Proper perimeter security with effective fencing, lighting, appropriate security patrols, gates and limited access areas; that street-side gates and doors are closed and locked at all times; and that there is positive access control for all external gates and doors;
• Hangar doors are closed and locked when that area is unattended and that all key storage areas (food and drink, parts and tools, etc) are secure;
• An access control management system for keys and passes; that the identity and authority of each passenger, vendor and visitor is confirmed prior to allowing access to facilities and aircraft and that all visitors are escorted on the ramp and in the hangar area;
• A process to check photo ID to verify identity of any visitor or vendor;
• Emergency numbers are placed prominently around facility and there is easy access to phones or "panic buttons" in various facility locations such as the leisure facilities and the hangar bay;
• Confirmation of the security arrangements at destination facilities and that a flight crew member is present at all times when the aircraft is being serviced;
• A check of lavatories, baggage compartments and all cavities for unauthorised people or objects prior to every departure;
• A procedure for the aircraft's security system (locks and alarms) to be set whenever it is unattended to prevent unauthorised entry.

Operators and owners, the NBAA says, should ensure staff participate in security training, receive information updates and know the essentials such as check in and out procedure for visitors and guests and positive control of luggage. Crew members, the NBAA adds, should display photo IDs. "Have a security plan specific to your location and operation," it advises. "Develop, maintain and exercise an emergency response plan."