During a weekend trip to Nashville, Georgia aviator Raymond Daniel’s plane was broken into by a thief, resulting in $12,000 worth of navigation equipment being stolen. Upon returning to John C. Tune Airport, Daniel and his wife discovered that their Beech 24 Sierra was one of several planes that had been targeted by the thief. Despite having security measures in place, including paying a company called Contour to watch over the aircraft, the theft still occurred.
Despite the airport having video footage of a suspect scaling the fence, Daniel’s plane was parked out of the surveillance camera’s view. This left Daniel and his wife in a difficult situation, with no assistance offered other than a sandwich. The stolen equipment included a transponder and two GPS devices. Daniel expressed frustration at the lack of support from the airport and the company that was supposed to be monitoring the aircraft.
Despite the setback, Daniel, being a skilled aviator, was able to navigate the 275-mile journey back home to Georgia using memory and assistance from air traffic control at Poole Farm Airport. The airport authority confirmed that a suspect had been identified and arrested in Missouri days after the theft. However, the stolen aviation equipment has yet to be recovered, leaving the Daniels out of pocket and without the necessary tools for their aircraft.
The lack of assistance from both Contour and the Airport Authority has left Daniel feeling abandoned and frustrated by the situation. Although the suspect has been apprehended, the stolen equipment remains missing, adding insult to injury for the couple. Despite the challenges, Daniel’s piloting skills allowed him to safely navigate the return journey home without the stolen navigation equipment, showcasing his experience and professionalism in the face of adversity.
The incident highlights the importance of security measures for aircraft, especially when leaving them unattended for an extended period. The theft serves as a warning to other aviators to be vigilant and ensure that their planes are properly secured when not in use. Additionally, the lack of support and assistance provided to the Daniels serves as a reminder of the importance of customer service in such situations, with the couple left to deal with the aftermath of the theft on their own.
Moving forward, Daniel and other aviators will need to reconsider their security measures and possibly explore alternative options for protecting their aircraft from theft. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in leaving valuable equipment unattended and the importance of ensuring that proper security measures are in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Despite the challenges faced, Daniel’s experience and expertise as a pilot allowed him to safely navigate the return journey home, highlighting the resilience and determination of aviators in the face of adversity.
