(July 5, 2002) -- The Federal Aviation Administration has issued the following alert which we post verbatim:

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Terrorists who are no longer able to hijack commercial airliners because of increased security at commercial airports may turn to GA airports and aircraft to conduct operations.

The TSA asks members of the GA community to report all unusual and suspicious activities. If you observe persons, aircraft, and operations that do not fit the customary pattern at your airport, you should immediately advise law enforcement authorities.

Your immediate action is requested for these items:

Secure unattended aircraft to prevent unauthorized use.

Verify the identification of crew and passengers prior to departure.

Verify that baggage and cargo are known to the persons on board.

Where identification systems are in place, encourage employees to wear proper identification and challenge persons not wearing proper identification.

Increased vigilance should be directed toward the following:

Aircraft with unusual or unauthorized modifications.

Persons loitering in the vicinity of aircraft or air operations areas.

Persons who appear to be under stress or the control of other persons.

Persons whose identification appears altered or inconsistent.