Professional Pilot, January 2016

INTERNATIONAL OPS Risks are up in Europe Robberies assaults more violent crime and terrorism are on the rise By Grant McLaren Editor at large I t may be tempting to think that the only places where things can go really wrong from safety and security perspectives are in Axis of Evil locales But this is not the case anymore Due to a number of factors security risks are up in Europe as well as worldwide Even such seemingly safe destinations as Geneva London and Paris demand appropriate levels of security awareness as well as pre trip risk research and risk mitigation strategies The security situation in EU countries has gone from a moderate to high potential threat levels including terrorism risks states FAM International Security CEO Brian Leek Terrorism risks had been more traditional in this region typically nationalist left wing and right wing terrorists The future trend however will involve confronting high level threats from Jihadi terrorism Islamic extremists which will and have included suicide operations Wherever bizav takes you in the world common sense security While airside airport security is of a very high standard at most airports throughout Europe there are security risks to consider as soon as youre off airport Your aircraft will be safe at LTN Luton UK for example but wandering about in the local area may be dangerous for passengers and crew awareness and precautions should always be top of mind awareness Just because a location seems safe and you may have been there many times before does not mean it still is safe Always look beyond mass media headlines Your security may be compromised just as easily in Amsterdam Rome or Barcelona as in some of the more effervescent regions of the Middle East Likewise religious extremism is not confined to any one religious element Fundamentalist Christians can be every bit as unstable and dangerous as militant Islamists There are risky areas in any city you need to be aware of and try to avoid says Universal Weather Security Sales Rep Tracie Carwile Homelessness is up across Europe local economies have often been in turmoil with high unemployment rates and weve witnessed greater levels of petty and violent crime in seemingly safe places A flight attendant was recently mugged in Paris and theres been an increase in smash and grabs in one of the tunnels on the road from LBG Paris Le Bourget France to the city center Gangs have smashed into backs of cars to rob the occupants and weve been advising our clients to avoid this particular route Some evolving security risks within Europe are a result of recent upticks in immigration and refugee movements adds Colt Intl Product Mgr Regulatory Services and Security JVincent Clemente The impact of mass migration and racial and religious tensions have become more dangerous in certain areas and this is leading more countries to restrict movement across their borders Looking forward we see these trends and associated security issues becoming even more challenging within Europe Risk potential Petty crime pickpocketing and non violent theft is a fact of life in many European cities Colt International Training and Development Mgr Keith Dixon advises crews to be cautious when moving in congested and crowded urban areas Dixon explains Pickpocketing around the Eiffel Tower has been on the increase as it has been common in central FAM Intl is offering a free city assessment for Paris France Click here for more information http pdf ac aC7aJW