Airfield and hangar security is not something that can be left to chance. The fact is that their remote locations and published operating hours make them easy targets for thieves and vandals.
Flying clubs and schools and all GA services are now able to secure their hangars, airfields, and farm strips with state of the art IP cameras. This allows airfields to have a level of security that was once only reserved for large commercial airports. In addition, a video monitoring system also helps to ensure staff and pilot safety.
Club members and student pilots will appreciate the after hours security of a full-time monitoring system as well. Some flying clubs are even streaming video to their websites and social media platforms. Ultimately, nothing is more important to pilots than the weather and an IP camera system can show pilots the actual weather at destination airfields from their departure points.
Airfield and Hangar Security
Although most aircraft are heavily insured additional hangar security provides reassurance and a possible reduction in premiums. IP cameras are perfect for keeping one’s expensive investment secure. Cameras can be mounted in various places throughout the hangar and airfield. In addition, this is also a way to deter vandalism and other unwanted activities. Many aircraft owners are even happy to pay an additional fee for parking and storage spaces in which video monitoring capabilities have been installed.
In addition, expensive tools, machinery and engine parts can also be protected with IP cameras. Padlocks just aren’t secure enough when expensive machinery is on the line. If remote farm airfields don’t have an internet connections then IP cameras can be used with small memory cards for storing footage and still images for viewing on retrieval in the event of an incident.
Participant Safety
Keeping an eye on staff, club members, student pilots and airfield visitors is important for ensuring safety while at the same time recording infringements whether accidental or deliberate. If everyone behaves with common sense and professionalism then all well and good, but when accidents do occur a recording of the incident will help with the subsequent investigation. An IP camera that records an accident or incident may well exonerate an individual as well as prove who or what was the likely cause.
Flying Instructors can use IP camera footage to review solo take-off and landings with students, pointing out areas for improvement. Heavy landings can be recorded, and errors whiles taxiing aircraft can be pointed out.
Provide Safe Environment for Members and Students
Smaller airfields can often be quiet and remote places in which to work and staff who work on into the evening can gain a little reassurance knowing that their work environment, whether it’s a mechanic in a hangar or admin staff in offices, are covered by modern security cameras. They can also be assured that the areas in which they are not working are being monitored to deter prowlers, vandalism and theft.
Streaming Video on Website
IP cameras aren’t just for added security and safety. They are also great for promotional marketing campaigns. Small airfields and flying schools can make use of the cameras’ to stream live video to their websites. This is a great way to generate new interest in aviation in all its aspects. Anyone interested in an event at an airfield but who can’t be there in person can watch it live on an IP camera. A long term restoration project can be captured with still images to create a time lapse film.
View Real-Time Weather Conditions
There is nothing more important to a pilot than an up to date and accurate weather forecast. IP cameras are perfect for allowing pilots to check the weather before driving (or flying) all the way out to the remote airstrip. Anybody can check the weather report, but pilots will appreciate seeing the conditions for themselves and with an app on a mobile phone or tablet PC it’s possible to check the camera’s view from virtually anywhere.
IP cameras can be positioned to give maximum visibility of the sky and horizon, and live streaming video provides real-time viewing of the conditions. The advantages to having an IP camera system installed at small airstrips, flying clubs and schools are virtually endless.