Comprehensive Aviation Cybersecurity Resources

📚 In-Depth Educational Articles: Deep dives into ILS security, FAA grant compliance, navigation aid vulnerabilities, and practical implementation strategies. Written from 28 years of hands-on experience maintaining the actual systems.

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🔍 Quick 10-15 question assessment to identify your facility's top vulnerabilities and FAA grant readiness gaps. Receive an instant personalized report with prioritized recommendations.

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💼 Expert Consulting (Limited Availability) I work with select airports on gap assessments, FAA readiness preparation, and TSA compliance implementation. Accepting a limited number of engagements.

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FAA Grant Requirements. Emerging ARC Standards. Cyber Threats. You Need Specialized Expertise

Whether you hold FAA Part 139 certification, manage navigation aids under Part 171, operate under TSA Part 1542, or run an FBO with critical systems, cybersecurity is no longer optional.

The challenge:

• FAA now requires a cybersecurity readiness demonstration for AIP and ATP grant agreements

• FAA's Civil Aviation Cybersecurity ARC is developing standards that will affect airports of all sizes

• TSA issued emergency cybersecurity requirements in March 2023

• Cyberattacks on airports increased 24% year-over-year

• Most airport operations teams don't have cybersecurity expertise in-house

The gap:

• IT security firms understand cyber threats, but don't understand ILS systems

• Aviation professionals understand operations, but not information security

• Regulators require compliance, but most facilities lack technical staff

You need someone who bridges both worlds.

Your Systems Are Different. Your Risks Are Different. You Need Specialized Help.

Most cybersecurity consultants believe "aviation security" refers to protecting an organization's email server. They're missing the real vulnerabilities:

Systems Most Airport Operators Don't Think of as "Cyber Targets":

• Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)

• Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI)

• Approach lighting systems (ALS)

• Runway edge lights and taxiway guidance systems

• Remote lighting control systems

• Airport beacon systems

• Automated weather observation systems (AWOS/ASOS)

• Fuel management systems

• Baggage handling systems

• Building management and HVAC controls

• Access control and security cameras

The problem: Many of these systems were installed before cybersecurity considerations were a priority. They have default passwords, no encryption, outdated software, and direct connections to other networks.

The reality: An attacker doesn't need to compromise your primary server. They can target a remote lighting controller that hasn't been updated in 10 years, a weather observation system with a known vulnerability, or a building management system running Windows XP.

Specialized Aviation Cybersecurity Guidance for All Facility Types

Aviation Relations provides cybersecurity education and consulting for:

• Part 139 Certificated Airports

  • Demonstrating cybersecurity readiness for AIP/ATP grant eligibility

  • Integrating cybersecurity into Safety Management Systems (SMS)

  • Airport Operating Certificate compliance

  • Safety event reporting for cyber incidents

• Part 171 Navigation Aid Operators

  • Securing ILS, VOR, DME, and other non-federal navigation facilities

  • Balancing reliability requirements with cybersecurity

  • Legacy system vulnerability assessment

• General Aviation Airports

  • Preparing for the coming FAA Civil Aviation Cybersecurity ARC mandates

  • Building security programs within limited budgets

  • Essential cybersecurity fundamentals

• TSA-Regulated Airports (Part 1542)

  • Compliance with TSA emergency cybersecurity requirements

  • Network segmentation, access control, continuous monitoring, and patch management

  • Implementation, planning, and assessment programs

• FBOs and Private Aviation Facilities

  • Critical system identification and protection

  • Cost-effective security for smaller operations

  • Vendor and third-party risk management

Get Expert Guidance for Your Specific Facility

Some situations require more than just training—they necessitate expert consultation on your specific facility, systems, and regulatory requirements.

Aviation Relations Consulting:

Free Discovery Call (30 Minutes)

• Assess your current cybersecurity posture

• Identify immediate vulnerabilities

• Understand which regulations apply to your facility (TSA Part 1542, Part 139, Part 171)

• Discuss whether you can implement in-house or need expert help

• Determine next steps with no obligation

Custom Implementation Projects. If expert implementation assistance makes sense for your facility, we provide custom proposals for:

• TSA compliance implementation (network segmentation, access control, monitoring, patch management)

• Vulnerability assessments tailored to your systems

• Security program development

• Implementation planning and prioritization

• Technical guidance on ILS, navigation aids, lighting, and ground equipment

• Training for your team

• Ongoing advisory services

Who This Helps:

• Smaller airports without cybersecurity staff

• Facilities facing TSA compliance deadlines

• Operations managers who need expert guidance on tool selection and configuration

• Anyone who wants aviation-specific cybersecurity expertise, not generic IT consulting

This Isn't Theoretical—Airports Are Under Attack Right Now

Port of Seattle (August 2024): Ransomware disrupted Wi-Fi, baggage systems, check-in kiosks, ticketing, and display boards. Employees used dry-erase boards for flight information. 90,000 people impacted.

European Airports (September 2025): The Collins Aerospace ransomware attack disrupted operations at Heathrow, Berlin Brandenburg, Brussels, and Dublin, resulting in manual check-ins and flight cancellations.

Kuala Lumpur (March 2025): $10 million ransom demand. Days of disruption to flight displays and check-in counters.

The pattern: Attackers aren't just targeting IT systems. They're targeting the operational technology that keeps airports running.

The question: Is your facility prepared?

Aviation-First Cybersecurity, Not Generic IT Security

Understanding Your World

• I know what a glideslope is

• I understand runway lighting control systems

• I've worked on ILS installations

• I speak your language—not just IT jargon

Practical, Not Theoretical

• Solutions that work with your budget

• Implementation plans you can actually execute

• Focus on high-impact, achievable steps

• No ivory tower recommendations

• Navigate TSA Part 1542 requirements

• Understand Part 139 certification

• Expert in Part 171 navigation facilities

• Track the coming FAA ARC mandates

Regulatory Knowledge

Trusted by Aviation Professionals

"Finally, training that understands both the technical aviation systems and the cybersecurity requirements. This bridges a critical gap."

-Airport Operations Manager

"The SMS integration module helped us understand how to incorporate cyber threats into our hazard identification process."

-Safety Management Coordinator

Start Your Aviation Cybersecurity Journey Today

Free Educational Resources Best for: Building foundational knowledge

• Comprehensive articles on ILS security, TSA compliance, and aviation OT

• Based on 28 years of hands-on FAA experience

• Practical implementation strategies

• Real-world examples and case studies

• No fluff - actionable guidance you can use

• Perfect for airport managers, technicians, and facility directors

Expert Consultation Best for: Facilities needing implementation help

• Free 30-minute discovery call

• Assess your facility's specific needs

• Discuss which regulations apply to you

• Custom implementation proposals available

• Technical and regulatory guidance

• Perfect for smaller facilities without cybersecurity staff

Two Ways to Get Started