Nearly three weeks after the Federal Aviation Administration implemented rigid security measures in the nation's airports, officials are preparing supplemented security at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.
After President Bush initiated a new federal program to increase airport security last week, Gov. James S. Gilmore III approved sending National Guard personnel to supplement security at Virginia airports.
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Albemarle County police have been patrolling outside the airport to aid security efforts and will continue until further notice, Albemarle County Police Cpl. Glenn D. Fink said.
The governor has ordered the National Guard to assist current efforts but airport officials still are working out the guardsmen's specific duties, Fink said. It has not been determined if county police will remain on duty at the airport once the guardsmen are in place, Fink added.
Officers initially were on duty about 17 to 18 hours per day in front of the airport terminal, but increased their presence to around-the-clock patrols last week. County officers watch for unattended vehicles and enforce no-parking ordinances along the terminal curbside, in addition to helping airport personnel with miscellaneous safety issues as they surface.
After 19 highjackers took control of four planes on Sept. 11, FAA officials ordered the first-ever national grounding of all commercial flights for three days. When airports reopened, officials instructed passengers to arrive at least two hours before their departure time and warned them of increased security measures, including more thorough luggage searches.
"Usually I get to the airport 20 minutes before take-off, but today I had to leave a lot earlier," area resident and passenger Alice Stecker said. Stecker added that she feels safe flying after the attacks because of increased security precautions.
According to FAA mandates, only ticketed passengers may pass through security checkpoints and travelers also must check all luggage at ticket counters. Passengers said they have noticed an increased number of uniformed law officers in addition to canine teams patrolling airports.
Armed Federal Air Marshals also have been deployed on some national flights, but the FAA will not reveal the number or identities of the marshals who are specially trained for deployment on anti-highjacking missions.
FAA officials also have increased screening mail that travels on board aircraft.
Passengers said they were understanding and prepared for hassles associated with safety restrictions.
"It's inconvenient to arrive at the airport so early," Ann Davis, a passenger visiting Charlottesville, said. "But if it means reducing the chance that my plane will get highjacked, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make"
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