3 Things Every Pilot Needs to Know About… Airport Fences

Airport perimeters have been increasingly secured by fences over the last couple of decades. As a society, we recognize the importance of security and protection, leading to the establishment of physical barriers around vital areas. While some may see these as unnecessary inconveniences, others understand their significance in maintaining safety.

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Personally, I appreciate the thorough screenings conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at major airports. While I acknowledge their flaws, having additional safety measures in place is a priority.

This brings us to the subject of airport fences in general aviation. I fondly remember my childhood days spent at airports with my father, observing planes take off and land, usually at locations like Norwood, MA, or Taunton, MA. If you asked him today whether he'd have skipped a few of those trips after investing in my private pilot license, he might agree, but those memories are invaluable.

In my early experiences, there were often no fences, or just a tiny 4-foot barrier to keep inquisitive kids like me from wandering onto runways. Fast forward two decades, and the landscape has changed dramatically, with most airports now enclosed by tall 8-10 foot barriers topped with barbed wire. It’s hard not to feel like one is entering a secure facility rather than an airport. If a fence is absent from your local airport, expect that to change soon.

Having worked at Mansfield Municipal airport (1B9), I often took the airport fences for granted. They were just part of the environment. However, many pilots express criticism towards these barriers, labeling them as unnecessary expenditures. As a fellow pilot, I implore you to move on!

Fences are a reality we must accept. If the only complaint you have is the protective barrier around your airport and aircraft, consider yourself fortunate. There are far more critical issues to focus on. Here are three compelling reasons why general aviation pilots should shift their attention:

1. Fences act as a protective barrier for airfield property.

Fences help to deter ill-intentioned individuals, even if they may only slow them down. This delay increases the likelihood of them being caught or deterred altogether. Moreover, fences discourage aimless troublemakers and prevent them from wandering into sensitive areas, thereby safeguarding both equipment and individuals.

These fences seriously reduce the risk of curious onlookers or children inadvertently entering dangerous zones such as the Airport Operations Area (AOA). A well-placed fence can prevent the most unfortunate incidents, such as a child stumbling into a spinning propeller.

2. Fences enhance the prestige of aviation.

It’s true that fences produce a sense of exclusion, which can deter some people. However, just as gated communities are often perceived as exclusive and desirable, airports can capitalize on this perception. Airports can portray themselves as incredible venues for exciting activities that deserve the same level of exclusivity.

If the aviation industry wishes to thrive, it must embrace this mindset. Detractors may say this resembles a country club mentality—there’s a grain of truth to that. However, the appeal lies in the distinctiveness that aviation possesses, which demands a robust security presence.

3. Fences protect against wildlife intrusions.

Ultimately, these fences play a pivotal role in maintaining flight safety. A well-constructed fence protects airports from wildlife, particularly deer and coyotes, which can pose severe risks during takeoff and landing. The damage inflicted from a wildlife strike could be devastating, and our aircraft are not exactly designed for those encounters.

The barriers enlisted to keep out harmful individuals simultaneously serve to prevent wildlife from accessing the AOA. However, it’s worth noting that deer populations have surged in recent years, making such encounters increasingly likely.

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In conclusion, I recognize that airport fences may drive some individuals away, but this perception is not inherently negative. People commonly install fences around their homes for privacy and protection. We, as an aviation community, must alter our attitude towards airport fences. The FAA has committed significant resources to maintaining them, and they are unlikely to be removed. Therefore, let’s convert our perceptions and capitalize on the fences to our advantage. Change is inevitable, and just because we didn’t have them in the past doesn’t diminish their necessity in the present.