Security measures have increased at airports around the country in the last few years, with fences, cameras and I.D. badges required in places that once were open to all — yet it seems that small airplanes still are not protected from thievery. Last year, 11 GA aircraft were stolen and 68 were burglarized, according to statistics compiled by the Aviation Crime Prevention Institute (ACPI). The total value of the stolen airplanes is $950,000, and the 183 stolen items were valued at $550,000. Florida has the highest number of burglaries, followed by Georgia, according to the ACPI. The stolen aircraft were a Cessna 210 in Arkansas, two Cessna 182s in Arizona, a 182 and a Beech 23 in California, a 172 in Texas, three Cessnas in Mexico (two 210s and a 206), and a Piper Seneca III in the Bahamas. Also, a Bell 206, crated on a shipping dock, went missing in South Africa.
Stolen In 2005: 11 GA Aircraft, A Half-Million In Gear
Key Takeaways:
- Despite increased airport security, small general aviation (GA) aircraft remain vulnerable to theft and burglary.
- Last year, 11 GA aircraft valued at $950,000 were stolen, and 68 were burglarized, resulting in 183 stolen items worth $550,000.
- Florida reported the highest number of GA aircraft burglaries, followed by Georgia, with various aircraft types stolen across multiple locations including Mexico and the Bahamas.
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