Security
RFID Shows Potential for GA
ADT explores low-cost solution for tracking pilots, aircraft activity
By John F. Infanger
September 2004
The Federal Systems division of ADT Security Services, Inc.is seeking to work with the Transportation Security Administrationthis fall on a new security tracking system for general aviationairports, utilizing radio frequency identification (RFID) as a means of tracking aircraft while matching appropriate users to those aircraft. Tentatively called Aviation Pass, the system could be tested soon at the so-called “DC-3” general aviation airports surrounding the nation’s capital.
According to Frank Pervola, the director of aviation sales and marketing for ADT’s Federal Systems division, the company is close to unveiling the system and could do so as soon as September at the Airports Council International-North America convention in Houston.
Explains Pervola, “We were looking for a way to protect general aviation airports. In our discussions with that marketplace we found that most of general aviation doesn’t have a lot of money to deal with it.
“We’re working with TSA; they like the idea and wanted to talk with us to look at possibly using the system at the DC-3 airports. We expect to move to the next level with this.” The DC-3 airports include Potomac Airfield, College Park Airport, and Hyde Field.
Pervola equates the RFID system to the typical ADT home security scenario, in which an alarm calls an ADT monitoring station when someone breaks into a covered home. Once alerted, the ADT station contacts the home and if a positive response is not received, officials are dispatched within minutes. In particular, he points to ADT’s system of some 250 offices around the U.S. “Having all those offices allows us to be local at the airports,” says Pervola.
A Monthly Fee
As the ADT RFID system evolves, Pervola foresees the potential for
airports to be able to charge aircraft owners a monthly fee for the
service, with the potential for an airport to help offset the costs
of implementing an effective security system.
“Our idea with the general aviation public,” he says, “is that they are willing to spend money on their aircraft. One would think that the owner of an aircraft would like to know if their aircraft is being misused.”
Under the system, an RFID tag is put on the aircraft and a reader
at the airport monitors where the plane is parked. Meanwhile, the aircraft
owner or approved pilot would have a corresponding RFID tag on their
person. The airport could then be alerted if an unauthorized person
is seeking access to the plane.
Pervola sees the potential for airports to not only recoup the initial
start-up costs but perhaps extra dollars that could be used for purchase
of other security needs, such as access control gates.
“It’s a very inexpensive way to do it,” he says. “A monthly fee could be charged for the tag — at this stage of the game it looks like anywhere from $35 to $60 a month.”
ADT is working with TSA to develop a pilot program this fall. “We’re very close to deploying,” says Pervola.
