Thanks to everyone for trying to explain their actions in regards to preflight/postflighting. I'm with III Corps here though; they had better be able to quote scripture (meaning the regs) to me if they expect me to allow them to do something outside of their responsibility. If I needed to be educated on their procedures and what regulation allowed them to inspect my inspection then I'm all for it and I would comply. If some yahoo think that they can watch me from the bridge (mind you with no training) and then try to say something that I did was unsafe and jepordize my career (or my bank account with a monetary fine) then he (and the gov't) had better be able to back it up in court.

USMCFLYR

Whenever I go thru security with a carry on I always melt a chocolate bar and drip it into my undies. Then I leave them right on top hoping that the TSA will want to open it.

One time the TSA Gestapo agent pulled me aside and wanted to wipe down my laptop with the bomb residue wipe thing, I asked her if she could swab my keyboard and see if it detects and DNA :D

I have never had an issue with the TSA, both in and out of uniform while traveling. I just smile and say "yes sir/ma'am" or "no sir/ma'am" and just comply with whatever it is they want. A few times they want to look inside my bag - no problem, as it costs just a few minutes of my time.

My advice? Cooperate and graduate. :)

I agree....I just like to have fun with them though.

I hear ya. They're like mall cops. :D

This reminds me of the incident in ORD(?) where some TSA agents were caught crawling over some RJ's and had broken some AOA vanes, causing some cancelations.

Now I'm hearing that TSA may be appearing one day at some uncontrolled General Aviation airports near you and setting up their special brand of security there.

I hope I'm asleep, and having a nightmare.

The TSA's purpose is passenger screening yes ? So why are they allowed to even get near an a/c when they have not been properly trained ?

JAPW


Ally

Of course they are. I remember a few years back in Las Vegas when a TSA gate agent 'caught' a pilot who's had one too many the night before heading to his airplane - he got a $600 bonus for his 'achievement' - wouldn't you try to smell alcohol on other pilots too?

Not condoning that pilot but TSA agents are not our friends... Instead of focusing on the real terrorist threat many seem to be focusing on busting yet another pilot...

Btw, I heard about the bonus from one of my friends who used to work for TSA in Atlanta - apparently the TSA supervisors at each airport can decide when to pay out a bonus to their employees...

I'm not sure if you're captain or not but if I was in your shoes and I was an FO I'd say that he/she needs to stand back until my supervisor, the captain shows up and approves him/her being there...

I'd say it's up to my supervisor to allow a non-company employee observe our procedures... After all, safety first! :)

These gnomes have no reason to approach or board your jet unless the visit is related to a potential problem to which they have been alerted to.

First, they must properly identify themselves, and ask permission to approach your aircraft. Be polite to the little troll, as confrontations always lead to no good. The TSA will not attempt to board your aircraft without permission. They don't want one of their own arrested by the airport police for trespassing.

Tell him that you need guidance form an individual at a pay grade above yours regarding non-incident related aircraft TSA visits. Be professional, and get the Individuals Name, TSA number, and Airport ID Number. He may inquire as to why you need his information. Your response should be, if his visit delays your departure, you need to make a detailed report to the company. That will probably end it there. I don't think these guys want to give up their jobs with decent pay and benefits.


Remember, as a crew member you have the right to call your ops SOC to advise them of the situation and advise. It's up to the PIC as to whether or not he/she wishes to answer any of their questions from afar of the aircraft. If they should ask about a particular part of the jet, just tell him it's a fratistat connected to the bozzernator. The questions will stop there.


Bottom line these gnomes are not FAA Ops or Mx Inspectors and can't force their presence on your jet. However, even FAA ramp inspection can't interfere with your normal operations, suching as causing delays, unless they have issues.


As for catching a crewmember under the influence??? good job. However, if the accusation turns out to be false??? then beware!