Washington, DC, August 12, 2004 ─ Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) praised the vigilance of a small general aviation aircraft operator who promptly identified and reported two suspicious individuals attempting to rent a general aviation aircraft. After arresting, interviewing and searching the individuals, law enforcement personnel determined they were actually NBC reporters attempting to generate a news story.

“The general aviation community has always said that our nation’s best defense against terrorism is a vigilant public,” said Ed Bolen, GAMA President and CEO.

The arrest of the news reporters follows the recent publication of The 9/11 Commission Report which documented how the general aviation community successfully identified and reported suspicious persons even prior to 9/11.

“Although it is doubtful this story will make the evening news programs, today’s incident is further indication that the general aviation community takes security seriously” said Bolen.