A spate of thefts is the latest blow to lofty aspirations at the Newcastle Airport.
Pilots confirmed recent break-ins saw the propellers of an aircraft removed and the engine stripped, sparking fears of planes being tampered with.
“Even though there is 24-hour security at the facility, we had to install our own systems on the hangars. What about the CCTV cameras installed there?” explained pilot, Quentin Ferreira.
Stating security was the biggest problem, Mr Ferreira said aircraft were hundreds of thousands of Rand in investment, and the possibility of a thief subtly damaging flight equipment was a scary one.
“What if they damage the plane in a way that it crashes?”
He confirmed the Newcastle Municipality had begun processes for major upgrades, but felt a lack of maintenance was crippling any hope for the airport.
Money was better spent, Mr Ferreira added, maintaining the facility.
The ball was then placed firmly in the court of Strategic Executive Director of Development Planning and Human Settlements, Nokuthula Thusi.
“We note that there were challenges with the repairs, and they are receiving attention.”
Listing new security fencing and an upgraded terminal building as benefits pilots could look forward to, Ms Thusi urged pilots and hangar owners to report any maintenance-related matters to Ferdie Alberts, Director of Local Economic Development.
However, she said, maintenance was ongoing, based on urgent needs.
“There is a grass cutting plan and maintenance plan, related to the day-to-day running of the airport.”
In terms of security, Ms Thusi said the municipality was utilising an external security service provider, to ward against crime incidents at the Newcastle Airport.
Nevertheless, she said the security provider could not be held liable for thefts from inside hangars.
“The pilots who rent the hangar facilities from the Newcastle Municipality do so at their own risk, and are responsible to secure their own property being kept in the hangars, and should install their own electronic security equipment to deter and detect potential intruders.”
The municipality is said to have plans in place, to deploy security personnel at the airport in the near future, coupled with metal detectors and X-ray machines.
Ms Thusi said security personnel would be trained on proper use of the above.
“Currently there is a pan, tilt and zoom camera installed at the facility, which is linked to the Security CCTV Control Room, and is monitored on a 24-hour basis. More cameras will be procured and installed at the airport as part of a project to upgrade the City Surveillance System during this financial year,” she concluded.
