RonnyK320

Did you guys see this? Finally the TSA is doing something worthwhile...

From our DO --

To All Pilots:

Yesterday, we received information with regard to a new TSA program called CrewPASS allowing pilots to use the CASS database to ease the security screening process. TSA is testing the program for sixty (60) days starting Thursday, July 17, 2008 at BWI, PIT and CAE only.

JetFlyer06

If anyone tries it out let us know how it works.

Breckster

Sounds good.... must be the their blue shirts and shiny new badges are on back order

SWAcapt

It's worked great for the last five years. You can apply at the following url:
https://tsatesting.net/ffdo/

willflyforcash

I read in USA Today that the AFA opposed this. Their general opinion was that everyone boarding a plane should have to be screened. I bet their opinion would be very different if crew pass was for them.
See yoU Next Time!

CFDoubleeye

ALPA is seeking emails on CrewPass improvements.... please email them at crewpass@alpa.org. Here is my letter.

Main point: TSA is using uniforms as a form of ID, and pilots need to stand up and mandate back to them a big NO!

Letter:

ALPA representatives, I thank you for the efforts to implement the CrewPass program!

I do have three items for feedback on the CrewPass program:

1)
Uniforms:
I find the mandate to be in uniform to be an unacceptable part of this program. Airline Pilot uniforms are a) not uniform across the industry, b) available to the public, and c) inconvenient - if not a security risk during deadheads and/or commuting to/form work.

On item C... I would like to expand:
Travel in/out of uniform should be left to the Pilot's choice

a) Hijack threat: In the event of a hijacking attempt, uniformed crew will be the first to be targeted by a team or individual attempting to overcome the post 9-11 countermeasures. We should be encouraged to travel out of uniform, and TSA should not have the authority to judge if we are in a proper uniform or not. Uniforms may be used in an attempt to gain the trust of a flight crew to otherwise gain access to the flight deck ie impersonating a crew member.
b) Fatigue: Deadheading in Uniform and commuting.... how many times have we been asked questions, or involved in lengthy conversations because of the uniform we wear duing deadhead/commute travel? Authorizing travel out of uniform (as a choice) allows crew members to rest more effectively.
c) FFDO's use an alternate screening method that does not require a Pilot to be in uniform, nor does it identify their official role/purpose for using alternate screening.

2)
Identification:
CrewPass uses the CASS system and the Airline ID for identification and status.... that is perfect. However, as I discussed above in 1(C) - the uniform should not constitute a form of identification to TSA screeners as it provides no assurance of Identity, nor does it act as a alternate means to identify a commuting pilot or deadhead flight crew.

3)
Flight Attendant Union Opposition
This week I saw a formal complaint by a Flight Attendant Union to allowing pilots to "Bypass" security and potentially carry weapons on board aircraft. I would encourage ALPA to reach out to these unions and/or get ahead of this opinion. FA's could potentially eliminate this program, vs being included in the program and also allowed to use "alternate" screening within the CrewPass/CASS program.


Recommendations:
I would recommend that ALPA:

• Make a strong move to ban the use of Airline Pilot uniforms as a means of identification....and mandate to TSA that travel in uniform be left to the discretion of each individual.
• Implement an industry wide standard Airline Pilot Identification Card - such as change the color of the FAA Pilot's License from Blue to Red (or other color) to indicate Airline Pilot status and SIDA Access. Such ID would be required to be returned once out of active employment with a recognized airline, or be issued as a separate certificate. Most important, it should signal that such person has been properly briefed on SIDA access eliminating individual airport badges for transient crews (and the TSA hassles that exist industry wide because the flight crew is not from THAT airport).

I would be happy to further discuss these issues, and invite you to contact me at any time. Just a few ideas.....

Thanks for your attention to what I see as critical flaws with the current CrewPass program.

ExpressJet First Officer

Radials Rule

Well said CFDoubleeye! I sent an Email referencing yours.

__________________
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sailingfun

I think the uniform part is more for the traveling public then security. They don't want to give the impression lots of people are bypassing screening. They know the public will not have a problem with the pilots bypassing. In any regard it takes me about 45 seconds to duck into the bathroom and whip off my shirt and switch to a regular shirt.

757Driver

Not the point. Why are we always deferring to the lowest common denominator,(see traveling public morons), and not doing what is right?

mike734

I foresee a long line of pilots waiting to get through. When one trys to move to the regular screen line (empty) he is told he MUST go through the "pilot" line. The TSA will retain the right to "spot" check some pilots on a ramdom basis. Somebody will screw up and be caught with a weapon or some sort of contraband. It will become a sport for the TSA to catch a pilot with something illeagal.

Somehow I don't see this being a big benefit to pilots.

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