Last update - 15:54 31/07/2007

Gov't plans to fortify light aircraft to prevent use in terror attacks
By כתובת דואל זו מוגנת מדואר זבל, אתה צריך לאפשר Javascript בכדי לצפות בה , Haaretz Correspondent

Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz has announced plans to outfit all light aircraft in the country with sophisticated anti-theft devices that will prevent them from being stolen for use in terror attacks.

The Transportation Ministry on Tuesday published an appeal to private industry to develop sophisticated security devices that will prevent theft or interference with flights during landing or takeoff.

Since the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001, owners of light aircraft in Israel have been required to affix special locks to their aircraft, to prevent them from being opened or moved while they are on the runway.

The ministry's new initiative would call for special security devices that would notify a special control room after any attempt to tamper with or break into aircraft.

There are currently about 660 private aircraft in Israel, of those 440 are of the Piper or Cessna class, 190 are Ultra-lights, and 53 are gliders.