Despite worldwide concerns over terrorism, DeKalb officials said the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, 3232 Pleasant St., is as safe as it can be.

Concerns were raised after the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that DTMA and other similar airports represented soft targets for terrorists.

Tom Cleveland, DTMA manager, said DeKalb’s airport has been a safe place since it opened.

“We have a Neighborhood Watch Program and everyone knows each other,” Cleveland said.

At a small airport like DeKalb’s, knowing everyone is important, Cleveland said.

There is also a 24-hour number where police can be reached in case they are needed, Cleveland said. The DeKalb police department and the DeKalb County Sheriff department are available in case of emergency.

Other security measures are used to ensure no intruders are allowed inside airport grounds at any time.

“All entrances are gated except for the main entrance, where there is an operator on duty,” said Rick Monas, DeKalb’s director of public works.

Those gates are secured by both keypad and keycard security devices, he said.

Since the Sep. 11, 2001 attacks airports throughout the country have stepped up security.

DTMA does not use metal detectors, Monas said. Concerns about airport security were not raised just because of the terrorist attack. The airport has always had security through the Airport Improvement Program.

DeKalb Airport is not a commercial airport. According to the DTMA’s Web site, it serves the general aviation community with private hangar rentals, flight instruction, courtesy vehicles and conference rooms.

DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow agreed with Cleveland’s assessment of airport security.

The only planes that leave the airport are those owned by individuals and corporations, and those used by pilots in training, Sparrow said.

“The airport is adequately protected,” Sparrow said. “I haven’t been notified of a security incident in recent years.”