Feds Warn of Terrorist Attacks via Small Planes

The Government warns terrorists may try to attack the U.S. with small planes.

That warning comes just days before the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

An aircraft engine's drone makes music for plane fans. But general aviation pilot Doug Corrigan says terrorism fears over small aircraft don't make sense.

"Trucks, cargo vans, s-u-v's that are more capable of moving a large amount of explosives that can be parked anywhere in the country and no one knows where they're at."

Corrigan says Cottonwood doesn't have flight students or plane rentals. It's hangars have double locks. And Corrigan says his Cessna doesn't make an effective weapon.

"I'm limited by the amount of weight I can carry, my plane's rated for 1450 pounds, that's two people and a full load of fuel."

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association runs an airport watch program sort of like a neighborhood watch, and the pilots at Cottonwood Airport actively participate."

"Homeland Security checks in with us at least, couple 3 or 4 times each year and we talk to 'em and they want us to tell them of anything strange going on."

Cottonwood Manager Tom Janusevick says the State and F.A.A. also check in every year. And you can't just walk onto the grounds.

"Fencing around the driveway and security gate we have, we try to keep people from just wandering around."

But their best security system is the pilots.

"We know each other around here so if any stranger comes around we feel like doesn't fit, we'll call the sheriffs department."

The F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security say they're taking precautionary steps.

And continue to monitor any potential threats.