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Delaware Department of Transportation

Delaware Aviation Services

Safety & Security

One role of the DelDOT Office of Aeronautics is to ensure the safety and security of the airport facilities. In this role, the Department partners with many others, as the TSA  and FAA  have primary jurisdiction over these elements of aviation. On security, the Delaware State Police plays a key role in coordinating intelligence and prevention efforts, as well as being a first responder to emergencies.

Aircraft Hangar

On safety, fire departments, EMS, and DelDOT's TMC are important partners. The NTSB  plays an important part in investigating and understanding aviation accidents. The Office of Aeronautics' major contribution to safety on and around airports is through the inspection and licensing of airports  and the prevention and removal of obstructions (see Airport Land Use).

Q. Aircraft Accident/Crash: What should I do if I witness an aircraft accident or come across the scene of an aircraft accident?
A: Please dial 911 immediately. Aircraft accidents have the potential to be extremely dangerous, even to bystanders, so please think of your own safety first. The 911 call will initiate a series of responses, including fire and rescue, police, and DelDOT's TMC, which is responsible for supporting the first responders and assisting in securing the scene until the arrival of the FAA and NTSB.

Q. Trespassers/Crimes/Suspicious Activity at Airports: What should I do if I see suspicious or illegal activities at an airport?
A: If you witness or are aware of any illegal or suspicious activities at an airport, please report it immediately to local law enforcement or the Delaware State Police  (800.FORCE.1.2). If a life-threatening incident is in progress, dial 911 immediately. Remember to think of your own safety first.

Q. Security Best Practices for GA Airports: Are there guidelines for security best practices?
A: There are no laws mandating security practices for Delaware airports, but application of best practices, as outlined by the TSA and AOPA  is strongly encouraged. Practicing security helps keep not only our airports and fliers safe, but also prevents theft, vandalism, and other illegal acts from affecting valuable planes and other aviation equipment.

Q. What is the two-lock rule?
A: A simple and effective way to secure your aircraft. The two-lock rule simply means that the aircraft is secured using more than one lock, such as a door lock and a prop lock or a keyed magneto switch and a locked hangar door. Other combinations of two-locks could be:
  • Locking aircraft entry door
  • Locking cockpit door
  • Locking hangar door
  • Keyed magneto switch
  • Keyed starter switch
  • Keyed master power switch
  • Throttle lock
  • Mixture lock
  • Locking fuel cut-off
  • Locking control surface "gust-lock"
  • Propeller lock
  • Propeller chain
  • Propeller cable
  • Locking wheel lock or chock
  • Locking tie-down cable
  • Lock-in-place pilot tube cover
  • "Club" type devices for the control yoke



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