Pilot who refused body scan blasts TSA security

[HuskyMan]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/oct/20/pilot-who-refused-body-scan-blasts-tsa/

[TX76513]

I like his statement: He called TSA a "make-work" jobs program combined with a feel-good effort "to give us a false sense of security to let us believe the folks in Washington are keeping us safe."

[HuskyMan]

there are 'pat downs' and then there are 'feel ups'. I'm not sure which is one is being implemented.

the Israelis handle airline security issues differently than we do. they ask a series of questions at the boarding gate. if the passenger doesn't answer the questions properly, they are told they will not be flying. their pilots pack a gun and the cockpit door is secure. IMHO, it is a better system that doesn't rely on intrusive procedures. imagine that.

[MTUpower]

I went through a lengthy, extensive security background check by the FBI requested by Homeland Security- criminal record check, DL check, health check, school records etc, in order to fulfill the requirements of my Federally issued Coast Guard license. It has a separate Federal security credentials requirement which has been enhanced and tightened in the last 5 years. So I have a Homeland Security issued security ID (complete with a readable info chip) with my picture on it that is not available to the general public. Half the time TSA- which is a part of Homeland Security- refuses to recognize it's own ID as valid, and instead will accept a state issued ID- not a DL mind you- an ID.
Anytime you put minimum wage folks on the front lines of anything you're likely to end up with, well, folks who have failed at most other jobs and are left taking this one. I also believe TSA is a job works program/waste of money.

[mgburg]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

... Half the time TSA- which is a part of Homeland Security- refuses to recognize it's own ID as valid, and instead will accept a state issued ID- not a DL mind you- an ID. ... Anytime you put minimum wage folks on the front lines of anything you're likely to end up with, well, folks who have failed at most other jobs and are left taking this one. I also believe TSA is a job works program/waste of money.

Folks that get an "I.D." only have issues with not paying off traffic tickets, driving issues that resulted in them NOT getting their license to begin with or not getting them back at all (fake I.D.s in HS...some states will refuse to issue any I.D. if you've been involved/convicted in making/passing fake I.D.s). Why an I.D. trumps a Drivers' License I will never understand...PC crap again...I suppose... ("Don't piss off my voter!")

The airlines aren't getting any of my "free time spending cash" while this type of crap is going on. I'll either drive or rail...at least on the rail, you see the INS while traveling through Buffalo...asking really probing questions like "WHERE WERE YOU BORN!?!?" You have, literally, a few seconds to come up with THAT ANSWER or you don't want to know how the day ends...

[MTUpower]

Originally Posted by HuskyMan

there are 'pat downs' and then there are 'feel ups'. I'm not sure which is one is being implemented.

the Israelis handle airline security issues differently than we do. they ask a series of questions at the boarding gate. if the passenger doesn't answer the questions properly, they are told they will not be flying. their pilots pack a gun and the cockpit door is secure. IMHO, it is a better system that doesn't rely on intrusive procedures. imagine that.

The Israeli's don't care if a person is "insulted"- they place a higher priority on the safety of everyone than the perceived insult on one person. Imagine a world where if folks are perceived to be part of a larger harmful group then they will be treated as such. Maybe they will then put pressure on those in the group to act within the rules of society instead of doing nothing. Terrorism will never stop if there is little pressure from - especially from- members of the group that terrorists associate with. Let the insurance industry decide who should be screened, lol.

[HuskyMan]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

The Israeli's don't care if a person is "insulted"- they place a higher priority on the safety of everyone than the perceived insult on one person. Imagine a world where if folks are perceived to be part of a larger harmful group then they will be treated as such. Maybe they will then put pressure on those in the group to act within the rules of society instead of doing nothing. Terrorism will never stop if there is little pressure from - especially from- members of the group that terrorists associate with. Let the insurance industry decide who should be screened, lol.

people can make whatever decisions they want to make concerning what they deem acceptable when it comes to invasion of personal space. last flight I took, the agents were dumping the contents of passenger's suit cases on a table while going through EVERYTHING (under garments included) in full view of the traveling public. and let's not forget the baggage handlers in the St. Louis airport who due to the fact that luggage can no longer be locked were STEALING ANYTHING THEY COULD GET THEIR HANDS ON. no thanks.

[layback40]

This is a no brainer. He's the pilot. He doesnt need a concealed weapon. If he was a nut case, he would just aim the plane at what ever he wanted to. Once in the air, he is in control of the plane. The only pat that he needs to be given is a pat on the back & thank you when he gets the plane safely to its destination.

[okyoureabeast]

Security theatre. No more and no less.

The only thing that was done to make us safer was to reinforce the cockpit doors.

I hate flying. TSA will kill the airline industry in the United States (or at least cause it to become more consolidated).

[MTI]

If experience teaches us anything, commercial pilots don't need to be scanned for metal . . . they need to be given breathalyzer tests and attention deficit disorder exams.

[HuskyMan]

Originally Posted by layback40

This is a no brainer. He's the pilot. He doesnt need a concealed weapon. If he was a nut case, he would just aim the plane at what ever he wanted to. Once in the air, he is in control of the plane. The only pat that he needs to be given is a pat on the back & thank you when he gets the plane safely to its destination.

exactly. heard one recently concerning treatment of a pilot. story went something like this....

Gate Security Agent (speaking to Pilot): "I need to check your luggage sir".

Pilot: OK (hands gate agent his luggage).

Gate Security Agent: Ah, HA, I located finger nail clippers. I'm afraid I'll have to confiscate these.

Pilot: Son, let me straighten you out on a few facts. There is a fire ax in the cockpit of the aircraft. If I wanted to do some REAL damage, I'd grab the fire ax and tear the cockpit up real good. I certainly don't need finger nail clippers to do that. I should be on board pre-flighting the aircraft RIGHT NOW. Your detainment of me is preventing me from doing my job and is negatively impacting the safety of the aircraft. NOW GIVE ME MY LUGGAGE BACK SO THAT I CAN DO MY JOB.

[R Leo]

Originally Posted by TX76513

I like his statement: He called TSA a "make-work" jobs program combined with a feel-good effort "to give us a false sense of security to let us believe the folks in Washington are keeping us safe."

Don't know about you guys but I sure feel safer walking through the airport and observing the multitude of responsible twentysomethings that are TSA agents playing grabas* and shooting the ***** with each other.

[dannym]

I was detained quite a few times. someone yelling "Bag check" is the worst sound you want to hear.
I once had to wait while someone went through my carry on, took out my little zippered bag I use for toiletries. He took out a pair of scissors I had in there and measured them with a tape measure. Unbelievable. I told him how much safer I felt after that.

I don't carry anything on anymore.

Danny

[PaulC]

Originally Posted by HuskyMan

there are 'pat downs' and then there are 'feel ups'. I'm not sure which is one is being implemented.

the Israelis handle airline security issues differently than we do. they ask a series of questions at the boarding gate. if the passenger doesn't answer the questions properly, they are told they will not be flying. their pilots pack a gun and the cockpit door is secure. IMHO, it is a better system that doesn't rely on intrusive procedures. imagine that.

So if a person at the boarding gate is a terrorist intent on killing dozens of airline passengers, and is loaded to the gills with weapons, he's going to be tripped up because he won't lie to the airline security guy?

I'm guessing that you may be overlooking a few other security measures.

[HuskyMan]

Originally Posted by dannym

I was detained quite a few times. someone yelling "Bag check" is the worst sound you want to hear.
I once had to wait while someone went through my carry on, took out my little zippered bag I use for toiletries. He took out a pair of scissors I had in there and measured them with a tape measure. Unbelievable. I told him how much safer I felt after that.

I don't carry anything on anymore.

Danny

smart move. best to ship your luggage via UPS or FEDEX to your destination. don't wear clothing with metal, i.e. belt buckles, tennis shoes with metal eyelets as these will trip the metal detector.

I'm old enough to remember when it was actually enjoyable to fly. back in the 60s and 70s people dressed up to go on a trip. I used to love to go to the terminal to watch the airplanes take off and land. unfortunately, those days are gone. no fun allowed.