GATE FAILURE PROCEDURES FOR MLB:

Please notify MAPA if you have problems with gate assistance in the future.

During the past month or so, some pilots have had problems with accessing the KMLB security gate system.  Sometimes the failure was the result of a known electrical spike caused by a storm, and at other times, an apparently automation glitch.   In any case, pilots and their passengers were locked either in the AOA or outside and could not get to the airplane.  Calls to the Airport Police were not always successful in getting assistance, particularly at night.  

MAPA addressed the problem with the Director of Operations, Richard Cloutier and he provided an email reply outlining procedures for gate problems.  During Monday - Friday workday hours, some members have resolved the gate problem by calling direct to the Airport Badge Office at 723-6227 Ext 218.  Gate access was resolved after a simple computer entry.  

Mr. Cloutier’s email reply:

Background: I was asked earlier this morning after an MLB Board meeting: “What is the correct procedure to gain access to a hangar if there is an access control failure, i.e. the gate breaks and is chained shut, or the card reader malfunctions?” This is a great question as electronic and mechanical systems always have a potential to fail. If the access control system has a malfunction at MLB, the system is designed to lock down on failure maintaining MLB’s security.

Answer: Contact Airport Police at (321) 288-0147 if you have the proper access privileges at MLB but are denied access because of a system failure. (321) 288-0147 is the number on the back of your security badge and there is a police officer on-duty 24hrs per day every day. Airport Police will send someone to your location as soon as they are able. Keep in mind that the police officers may have several calls at once if more than one access point denies access at a time (as stated above the system is designed to lock down on failure). Airport Police may request assistance from the Operations Department to respond to your location. Should you not be able to get through to the on-duty police officer for some reason call the on-duty Operations person at (321) 288-1578 for assistance. There is an Operations person on-duty from 7am through 11 pm every day.

Both the Airport Police and Operations personnel have been briefed on this procedure and we will strive to keep any inconveniences to the GA users of MLB to a minimum due to an event as described above.

Richard H. Cloutier

Director of Operations

Melbourne International Airport

(321) 723-6227 ext. 212

(321) 723-1194 fax

rcloutier@mlbair.com 

Please notify MAPA if you have problems with gate assistance in the future.

email@mlbpilots.org

PALM BAY POLICE PUT UAV ON THE BACK BURNER:

Word has it that thanks to MAPA, AOPA, and FAA, the Palm Bay Police Department has NOT bought a UAV and has no plans to purchase one.  They have gotten an education about airspace and regulations concerning UAV's from the AOPA, MAPA, and the FAA.

NEW SECURITY FOR MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

New Nationwide Airport Security Procedures

Effective at KMLB

The MAPA sponsored meeting on January 18, turned out a capacity crowd of over 225 pilots to hear about the new security measures.  As those who attended know, it was a painless way to learn about the new procedures, get answers to any questions, qualify for entry into the Air Operations Area, (AOA) and receive ramp-driving privileges.

If you attended, showed proof of citizenship to badge office personnel, and viewed the ramp driving video, you are now eligible for a new security/gate badge.  However, there is no need to rush to get a new badge until the month your current badge expires.  Direct any questions to Hana at the airport badge office 723-6227 X218.  Please call to ensure she is available before going.  

The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) has required all FAA Part 139 or Air Carrier airports to increase their security in the AOA.  Within the AOA, be sure to wear your badge at all times.  Airport Police may challenge you to verify the picture on the badge matches the wearer, and it has not expired. When entering the AOA do not tailgate or allow tailgating and guest vehicles must remain outside the AOA.  Only those who attended the driving class may drive on the ramp.  You are also responsible for guests who accompany you.  They must be in visual contact and nearby at all times.   If you see someone who seems suspicious, cannot confirm them with the badge, call Airport Police at 288-0147 [the number is on your new badge] and if possible, keep them in visual contact until Airport Police arrive.   In addition, any “out-of-the-ordinary” activity should be reported to airport police.

TSA gave a thorough briefing on their increased security requirements.  These will include random stops and searches by TSA and Airport Police at AOA points of entry at both vehicle and pedestrian gates.  You will be denied entry if you choose not to submit to a search.  If you do not want your car searched, you can park outside the AOA and use the pedestrian entry.  During a search, expect to open your vehicle trunk, and a personal search may be similar to the screening when boarding a commercial flight e.g., Use of a wand.  Only female agents/officers will search females.  You should remember, once a search begins you cannot stop it.  They will be looking for items of interest such as, firearms, explosives and explosive devices.  Excluded are flare guns, which are part of survival equipment.  A Concealed Weapons Permit does not allow you to carry a weapon into the AOA and is chargeable as a misdemeanor.  Moreover, attempting to carry a firearm into the AOA without a Concealed Weapons Permit is a felony.  If you are going hunting or target shooting, the firearms must be secure and carried separate from the ammunition.  If you plan to carry a firearm to your airplane, it would be prudent to call Chief Brewer 723-6227 X220. 

 www.mlbair.com  www.tsa.gov