The incident was made public nearly immediately when the American Association of Airport Executives sent out a notice to warn other airport operators that the same trick (“be on guard for trickery … as well as terrorists”?) might be tried on them. That notice quickly cascaded across the Internet. On Thursday, GA advocates one after another not only lauded the FBO, but blasted NBC. AOPA President Phil Boyer scolded the network: “We hope this gives you — and the other media who make a living by generating unnecessary fear — ample reason to stop making GA a security scapegoat.” James Coyne, president of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), chimed in: “NBC owes [the FBO operators] a huge apology … It’s harassment — pure and simple, and inexcusable.” From EAA‘s Earl Lawrence: “This undercover attempt at creating news is the equivalent of shouting ‘Fire’ in a crowded theater just to see if there are enough doors.” It was also a comparatively benign test of a system that … this time … worked. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) praised the vigilance of the FBO staff. “Although it is doubtful this story will make the evening news programs, today’s incident is further indication that the general aviation community takes security seriously,” said President Ed Bolen.
