Airline Pilots: Scan Them, Too?

I would think that most pilots would be recognized from memory by alert TSA personnel, and simply let through.

Oh...never mind; forget I said that.

They are already exempt as of November 20th.

Occasionally, common sense prevails.

What about grounds keeper Willy? He has access to fertilizer for the grass and diesel fuel for the grounds maintenance tractors you know!

How does he ever manage to get anywhere near the airport with knowledge of and direct access to those two items without a full body cavity search and background check at least 3 times a day.!?

And my gosh is anyone aware of what could happen if he put a brush cutter blade on one of the weed whackers and ran amok at the terminals with it?

Oh the carnage, the carnage, the horrible unimaginable carnage....

"Personally' I disagree that the heightened security prevents suicide destruction of people and aircraft. There is simply no security measure that cannot be violated if someone is determined to do so. Video [x ray] screening of ones body and physical search of anyone's body is uncalled for and violates my right to privacy if I am required to submit to such a search with out just cause. In fact, I object to such a degree that I don't fly public transportation any more.

For those of you who would chastise my opinion I offer this. What security measure would you suggest to prevent suicidal injection onto ones body some sort of highly contagious rapid developing virus by someone bent on killing humanity, just prior to loading on board public air transportation. You would be contained in a compact invironment with this airborne killer that you could spread to others, even after you departed the aircraft.rankly, if you had to die as the result of your airline travel, I would prefer that you couldn't take out other members of society as the result of your willingness to give up my constitutional rights!

TMF

Airport "security" is now the biggest risk in flying. You are exposed to x-rays and to the threats and intimidation tactics of ignorant petty bureaucrats with power far above their understanding or ability to cope.

This goes double for flight crews, who are the most frequent flyers. Their x-ray exposure will of course go through the roof, which will force them to submit to the "gate rape" pat-downs. Not surprisingly, organized opposition to this imbecility is coming first from flight crews, who are the worst sufferers.

The one thing is, how many pilots are moles? Those who have been flying for 20+ years that have not received "that" call? Granted, I have not flown since I left OHare,

Watching an Eastern start to take off, jam on the brakes, and see a Continental land almost on top of it. With 15 feet between all our wing tips. This was in 1982. Spendin gthe night before at the bar with listening to other pilots, co-pilots and crew discussing the things that happen in the air, I had to leave the bar for not wanting to hear any more with my, DRINKS IN HAND! Than Sunday took place. That's not the end. When we landed, it was under no power till we hit the ground, then full reverse thrusters and stopped almost on a dime and sat there for 20 mins before we moved to the terminal. Now, the only way I fly, is at the controls myself. I trust no one. When I was younger, I trusted no one over 30. Now being almost 1/2 past that, I trust no one.

Maybe then you'd like to input on Qantas QF32 Flight From the Cockpit

Isn't the airplane it's self the ultimate weapon in a pilots hand?

Ok - lets talk about pilots.

Of the fair number I have known - they tend toward pragmatic. Be that in surviving combat or flying a bus with wings.

They tend to have families and other interests than 'dogmatism'.

Flying is a contest of Skill.

Of the ones I have known who decided to "put their knee behind the stick" - they have done it "solo".

Yes, they are as prone to blackmail as anyone else. Maybe I watch too many films, but "board the aircraft as normal and follow instructions, else your family is dead" would concentrate my mind quite a lot. The scenario could take many forms, but nobody is truly immune to threats of blackmail and coercion. or being into suckered into thinking that whatever act is required will not result in harm.

As to weapons, perhaps some sort of dual-authentication for access to weapon is best ? Disaster cause by overworked, or simply drunk pilot, is more of a threat to the average passenger.

Who (if anybody) is complaining about pilots being screened, and why ? Some may disagree but, if anything, the public knowledge that pilots were screened would enhance public confidence in safety.

Is anyone screening the screeners?

I have a friend who is a pilot for Horizon Air out of Portland International. Once he forgot and had his tiny Swiss army knife with him as he went through the TSA line (you know, the one with the scissors and toothpick?). When he asked what the big fuss was about the screener said "Well, we wouldn't want you to use it to commandeer the plane" to which my friend replied "I'm the pilot you idiot, I'm supposed to commandeer the plane!" Too funny, yet sad at the same time...

Could you imagine a wagon train going west during the 1800's with the rules we have now? The wagonmaster would have everyone lock their guns up in a safebox except for the man riding shotgun. Then when outlaws or Indians attacked, they would "duck and cover" until the calvary arrived. Instead the mindset was that the more people who had weapons and knew how to use them, the more security you had. Even if one of those armed are intent to pursue something criminal, they were vastly outnumbered by armed good guys. Security is slavery. Airline employees were screened when hired. It's possible that one could go rogue and become a killer, even with constant screening/surveillance. I think the screening could be an impetus for them to go rogue and fly off the deep end. We're all going to die sometime. Don't let fear turn us into walking dead.

Then when outlaws or Indians attacked....

Hmm, haven't watched a cowboy film in a while.

I like the imagery you use, but have to disagree with overall comment. Just in case anybody votes you OT, please know it won't be me. The NRA has a right to be heard, and you're close to making a compelling case. Unfortunately I sort of lost it with that bit quoted above. At the risk of teaching my grandmother how to suck eggs (if you'll forgive the expression), a fair few Native Americans might argue about who the bad guys were.

This is a late night post, so don't take it too serious/harsh. I'll come back sober for another read tommorow (see, I can't even spell the word !).