At least once a month the news reports that in some country there is an act of terrorism that costs hundreds of innocent lives. Terrorism will always pose a threat to international and national safety and security. Many agencies around the world work every day to try to make the world safer. The transportation industry continues to be a major terrorist target, due to the large number of travelers using highways, waterways, railways and airways. In the United States, the transportation industry falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security. Since the threat of terrorism is still high in the transportation sector, increased security is necessary at all times. Safety measures in the aviation industry are stricter than those in any other sector of the transportation industry. Walking around major commercial airports you can see the security in effect; but when you go through a general aviation airport, you notice a lack of security. When it comes to general aviation safety, there are still many improvements that can be made to ensure that there are no safety gaps. General aviation is an extremely important part of the aviation industry as a whole. The industry alone is worth $150 billion per year (Benincasa, 2010). Some search and rescue uses of general aviation aircraft, agriculture, law enforcement, and corporate and business travel. In calendar year 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that there were 299,505 active general aviation aircraft (“Chapter II. Common,” 2010). General aviation aircraft can land at any type of airport provided they have permission; there are airports specifically for general aviation and...... middle of paper ......never been used for an act of terrorism, that doesn't mean it can't being. The TSA, FAA, DHS and other organizations have regulations in place for general aviation airports and aircraft security, but it may not be enough. Unlike large airports, there is virtually no government security presence at small general aviation airports, leaving a giant national security void. Even when airports, fixed base operators, owners and pilots are as vigilant as possible, it would still be helpful to have even a small government security presence. Although this country is in crisis; politically and financially, it is important to remember that national security must always be a priority even if the United States must create a budget to cover the increase in government security personnel at airports across the country, regardless of their size..