FEAR OF FLIGHT PATHS

The Deputy Chief of Security, (DCS), strolled into his office in the country's capital that warm summer morning, blissfully unaware that this was the calm before the storm.

- Anirban Mukhopadhaya

The memo on his desk innocuously reported that a microlight aircraft had crashed into the White House premises in Washington DC. No one was hurt except for the novice piloting the plane. The bells were, however, ringing wildly in the entire security establishment. What if an aircraft, ostensibly headed for the local flying club's airstrip, and loaded with high explosive, were to turn at the last moment towards the VIP area of the capital? Could it be stopped with any certainty before it did damage? Should the flying club airstrip be shut down? The last question was problematic and its answer seemed elusive.

The DCS emerged from the meeting hastily called by the Chief of Security, (COS), a bare half hour later. His task was simple. Find the answers to these questions now. The Cabinet Secretary, (CS), will be reviewing this first thing tomorrow, he was told.