Case Study Published in February 2004 issue of Security Technology and Design

Exceeding TSA Guidelines Using Wireless Access Control

T-Bird Aviation is a growing charter operation serving companies and executives out of DuPage County Airport near Chicago, IL.  In 2002, its ownership decided to build a new 48,000 square foot headquarters coupled with an additional hangar.  Management felt that it was necessary for this new facility to exceed TSA guidelines in order to meet its commitment to its elite clientele’s need for undisputed security and peace of mind.  The older facility needed four or five different sets of keys to maintain the desired level of security.  “Every time we had an employee leave or added a new one, we were always recutting and reorganizing key sets,” said Orin Acker, the director of operations for T-Bird.  “It was a problem. A keyless access control system made sense to us.”

In looking for a keyless solution, T-Bird’s management learned about wireless access control solutions.  “We looked at a wired system.  We didn’t even know a wireless system was available to us.” Said Acker.  “We kind of lucked into the wireless solution.”  The wireless solutions that T-Bird’s management saw covered all for their varied applications and promised additional benefits.  “We’re a young company and we’re kind of cutting-edge on technology.  We try to be out in front, we so really liked the new RF technology,” commented Acker. 

Recognition Source, a supplier of RF wireless access solutions, showed T-Bird with a quick and simple test that the entire building could be done without running any wires from the control equipment to the doors or between the doors.  They also explained that the system could be installed quickly and should save them money while providing excellent security. 

However, management worried about interference. The airport environment is filled with radar and avionic communication transmissions.  In addition, the building was made of metal and cinderblock walls, and the system would have to cover long expanses of hundreds of feet. Moving airplanes in and out constantly could vary RF signals, and T-Bird’s own VHF transmitters were also a concern.  

Recognition Source assured them that, despite all of these obstacles, the equipment would work as needed.  So T-Bird worked with its builder, McClier and Associates, Inc. to incorporate the wireless solutions into the new building.  Every one of the eight office doors, four office-to-hangar access doors, two hangar doors and the lobby door was outfitted with a wireless lock.  A Lenel LNL 500 panel was used as the main software control.  Sound, Inc. of Naperville, IL installed the entire system.

The Lenel panel and the wireless Panel Interface Modules were all installed in one closet near the center of the building.  With the exception of a few perimeter doors that used local power, the wiring between these two panels was all that was needed to cover the 15 doors.

The installation accomplished all of T-Bird’s goals.  It helped the charter operation exceed TSA guidelines, they no longer needed to manage different levels of keys, they were saving time, and they saved money.  “It was less expensive than if we would have piped everything.  I’m sure we saved thousands of dollars,” said Acker.