taess

The Aviation Enthusiasts Security Scheme

Since its inception in 2004 taess has taken an ever expanding role as the focal point for a true partnership between those tasked with providing increased security and the tackling of crime at airports, aerodromes and landing strips, in fact anywhere that aircraft operate. In return our hobby has gained increased positive recognition at home and abroad through both TV and Radio News, covering stories of the role Aviation Enthusiasts are now prepared to play. We have advised on similar schemes set up in both Canada and Australia and in the USA, Homeland Security Magazine carried the taess story culminating in most US Airports today once again understanding the hobby. In the UK we have worked with many of the local Airport Security initiatives, they are all complimentary to taess and as an occasional visitor to some of these airports your taess ID should be recognised. A multi-language taess booklet is also provide to each taess ID holder explaining taess and the role you will play, this booklet is a must when travelling Overseas where perhaps our hobby is sometimes not recognised.

Background:
In the summer of 2003 the increasing security at airports throughout the World culminated in a possible threat to the continuance of our hobby. Aviation Enthusiast would be moved on, spectator’s facilities and car parks would be closed to Enthusiasts as we were classed as a possible security risk. Realising the part that Enthusiasts could play as ‘extra eyes and ears’ of the Authorities in ‘The Battle’ against both terrorism and crime, LAAS International, one of the Worlds leading Enthusiasts Clubs, made presentations to the British Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard and taess was born. Following a Press Launch at Heathrow taess was appointed as the Sole Sponsoring Organization and Administrator for the scheme to which all bona fide Enthusiasts no matter to which club they belonged could join. Instead of driving the Enthusiast away from airports and airfields they would instead be encouraged to be vigilant and play their part in ‘The Battle’ against terrorism and crime.

The role of taess members:
In joining taess members agree to play their part in ‘The Battle’, they agree to keep a look out for suspicious activity and to report anything untoward to the Police. There is a basic code of practice and a photograph carrying plastic Identity - ID card with holder is issued, it is valid for three years. It needs to be recognised that the taess ID does not confer entry to any private property, restricted or secure area, but over the past few years many Airfield Operators have welcomed the taess ID as it has helped them to identify the true Aviation Enthusiast as a person who is playing their part in ‘The Battle’ and where possible have allowed the required access.

• Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity
• Are there strange individuals viewing that are not Aviation Enthusiasts?
• Is there someone watching movements of people and vehicles?
• The Police encourage everyone, but in particular those who know the workings of an airport and can therefore spot something out of the ordinary, to contact them if they believe something is suspicious.
• Even if you are unsure of your suspicion don’t hesitate to tell a local officer or ring the Hot Line number on the taess ID.
• The source of your suspicion may turn out to be innocent, it could be related to criminal activity rather than terrorism and you may be providing vital information.

VIGILANCE SAVES LIVES – DON’T HESITATE – CALL THE HOT LINE 0880 789321 – SPEAK DIRECTLY TO A POLICE OFFICER.

APPLICATION for THE AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS SECURITY SCHEME - ID CARD

All bona-fide Aviation Enthusiasts may join this scheme by providing proof of Membership of a recognised ‘Hobby Club’ either in the UK or Overseas. The Scheme will also accept evidence of membership of one of the accepted hobby email posting groups or you may join by asking an existing taess members to vouch for you. We will also offer membership to anyone who is or has worked in Government Bodies, the Armed Forces, the Security Services and other recognised Professions, a copy of you ID card or other evidence should be provided with your application.

£15 covers the cost of processing and issuing the taess ID with holder, multi language explanation booklet, post and packing. Please make cheques payable to THE AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS SECURITY SCHEME.

Click below to open an application form;

The Aviation Enthusiasts Security Scheme is Lauched