From the wording in question 6 of Rep. Benny Thompson's letter to the TSA, it seems like the TSA isn't including jumpseaters or nonrevs in Crew Pass.

 

If you're in uniform how would they know?

 

I was just hoping this Crew Pass would make it so I don't have to travel in the monkey suit.

 

Me too. That's one thing I hate is having my toothpaste etc. taken away.

 

BWI, PIT, CAE to Debut CrewPASS
TSA evaluation program to begin on July 17
July 16, 2008
The TSA plans to implement a 60-day demonstration program of CrewPASS at Concourse D of Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) starting tomorrow, Thursday, July 17.
Originally conceived by ALPA’s National Security Committee (NSC) and championed by ALPA leaders to Congress and the TSA, CrewPASS is a security enhancement that leverages the industry-standard jumpseat verification technologies found within the TSA’s Cockpit Access Security System (CASS). By incorporating biometric processes with a secure database to verify pilot identity and employment status, CrewPASS enhances security and provides flight crewmembers with a dedicated portal for access to airport secure areas.
This electronic screening plan will meet a Congressional mandate to enhance and expedite checkpoint security screening of flight crews. ALPA has partnered with TSA and ARINC on the development of CrewPASS and is assisting the agency during the upcoming demonstration program.
If you’re traveling in uniform out of any of the three test sites, you will be able to participate and help ensure the success of this test. ALPA has posted a list of Questions and Answers regarding CrewPASS implementation at www.alpa.org. A full description of the CrewPASS concept is contained in the ALPA NSC’s white paper.
While CrewPASS will be available to all pilots who fly for airlines that use the CASS jumpseating program, a handful of airlines need software modification packages to upgrade to the CrewPASS test program. These include Evergreen, Hawaiian, Midwest, Ryan and Trans States. ALPA will provide more information on these airlines as it becomes available.



TSA begins testing pilots-only security lines - USATODAY.com

 

ALPA needs your comments if you want to travel as a pilot and incognito! Email them at [email protected]!!!!!!!

Here is my 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

 

I completely agree with everything in your post. However, I think the bureaucrats will only want uniformed pilots going through the line as that presents a good image of security. That sucks but, I believe that to be true. Airport security has been overly concerned with the cosmetic aspect since 9-11.

 

CrewPASS Becomes a Reality
July 17, 2008
Hundreds of ALPA pilots at three locations were able to use a streamlined and enhanced security process—CrewPASS—while traveling in uniform today. This marks the start of a 60-day demonstration program of CrewPASS at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).
Implementing CrewPASS has been a top ALPA priority since early 2007. ALPA leaders and members applied significant pressure on Congress and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to put into operation the long-overdue program.
“ALPA is proud to have conceived of the CrewPASS concept, and of its partnership with the TSA and ARINC in making it a reality,” said Capt. John Prater. “Pilots are a significant component of our layered aviation security system. CrewPASS acknowledges that the pilot is the ultimate authority and has ultimate responsibility for the safety and security of a commercial airliner.”
ALPA was successful in convincing Congress to mandate TSA to implement an enhanced security process for crewmembers. When TSA wasn’t moving fast enough on its directive from Congress, ALPA turned up the pressure, including running a full-page ad in USAToday and picketing outside National Airport and TSA headquarters. During that rainy March day, TSA Administrator Kip Hawley left his office to talk with Capt. Prater, who participated in the demonstration. Since then, TSA has partnered with ALPA and ARINC to jumpstart the proof-of-concept program that began today.
Originally conceived by ALPA’s National Security Committee (NSC), CrewPASS is a security enhancement that leverages the industry-standard jumpseat verification technologies found within the TSA’s Cockpit Access Security System (CASS). By incorporating biometric processes with a secure database to verify pilot identity and employment status, CrewPASS enhances security and provides flight crewmembers with a dedicated portal for access to airport secure areas.
If you’re traveling in uniform out of any of the three test sites, you will be able to participate and help ensure the success of this test. ALPA has posted and will be updating a list of Questions and Answers regarding CrewPASS implementation at www.alpa.org. A full description of the CrewPASS concept is contained in the ALPA NSC’s white paper.
While CrewPASS will be available to all pilots who fly for airlines that use the CASS jumpseating program, a handful of airlines need software modification packages to upgrade to the CrewPASS test program. These include Evergreen, Hawaiian, Midwest, Ryan, and Trans States. ALPA will provide more information on these airlines as it becomes available.

 

Sorry I can't hold back the sarcasm....as opposed to the stunning image of security right now, as they take away grandma's denture paste because it's more than 3 ounces....just a thought.

On a realistic note you're probably right, which makes it incredibly irritating to me.