rickair7777

Some people need to stop whining. While most TSA types were not high school valedictorians, the majority are just trying to do their job. Smile and move on...they are not intentionally trying to insult or diminish your godlike regional pilot status. If you don't like the rules, write your congressperson. If a screener is obviously not following the rules, contact your jumpseat or security coordinator.

Screening of pilots is VERY necessary. Our screening process is not foolproof...

- Anyone can photoshop a badge and buy a uniform on ebay...the problem is that it's hard to know for sure it's YOU and not an impersonator.

- Random checks are actually important...they are a key component of any anti-terror program. Contrary to what certain completely clueless posters have said, terrorists are NOT reckless risk takers in their approach to operations. The bomber himself might be a nut case, but he is tightly controlled by his organization's leadership. High-end terrorists (who have the resources to attempt an airliner attack) will NOT attempt high-risk hail-mary type operations. Too many resources wasted, and most importantly they will look bad in the media if the fail. Image is everything to these people.


Crewpass will be biometric...I'm all for it since it is almost impossible to fake that.

Even so, they will STILL a few need random checks, because yes, there a few idiot pilots who will bring contraband (if they think they have zero chance of getting screened).

I also think that the CASS/Crewpass system should be extended to law enforcement also. LEO's who have a need to fly armed can get in the database with proper approvals.

TheGreatChecko

DEN has had biometric screening for years, with random checks...

What I find funny is how there are two TSA agents standing next to the random screening area, checking ID's (after the fingerprint scan) and occasionally going through bags.

Redundant, I think so?

N5139

This should have been accomplished years ago. Unfortunately, police agencies can't even agree to a standardized credential format. The only thing I'll add is that funding for such incorporation needs to come out of the Government's pocket, not the airline's.

Flyboydan

This happens at MKE every now and then. Every person that walks through a certain secured door coming inside gets searched and ID checked.

rickair7777

The cops don't have to agree to anything...any more than flight crews did.

TSA should just require them to be in CASS...if they don't like it, there's always greyhound.

weirdbiz

The insult is appreciated. You're not going to convince me that a very small chance of getting randomly checked for contraband coming off the elevator is going to deter terrorists who are dressed up in pilot uniforms. Systematic random checks on a significant percentage of pilots who come through with crewpass would be different.

NonRev4Life

I can't wait till there is biometrics, retinal scans, voice scanners, urine and blood samples...then we will be really safe. Ooohhh I forgot, I really hope they check 2 different computer systems and compare our passports, driver licenses, birth certificates, FAA licenses, and Airline ID's. search all of our bags as well. I know this is alot guys but apparently it must be done for security purposes. Just be glad that you are not getting strip searched and stun bracelets like the passengers are getting .

fatmike69

Gotta disagree with you here. If CrewPass is biometric, there should be ZERO need to screen pilots once through into the gate area, as this pretty much defeats the entire purpose. Let's think about this, the given reason for screening is for security purposes, NOT to catch someone carrying contraband. Security checkpoints have detectors for metal, gunpowder, bomb residue, etc., but nothing for drugs/contraband, as this is not their purpose. A pilot would not need any kind of contraband if terrorism were their motive, they've got a very powerful weapon in their hands already. No amount of random screening is going to solve this, unless they develop random psychological screening on the way to the airplane. Now consider a pilot trying to smuggle contraband, like a shipment of cocaine or something. A security risk? Not really (not explosive or flammable or could be used as a weapon). Illegal? Highly. However, random screening is designed to detect security breaches, not all illegal activity.

Also, random security searches pretty much just applies to employees at airports, not really passengers. TSA hides out near SIDA doors, employee elevators and access points, crew room entrances, etc. But how often do you see TSA stopping random passengers? I can't remember any. Wouldn't one think a passenger might be a bigger threat than a pilot? And if extra screening was required, it lets them know in big capital SSSS letters right on their pass, before they even attempt to enter security! Even more ridiculous is if their boarding pass comes up SSSS at the gate, they are allowed to walk unescorted back to the security checkpoint to get the screening. Gee, ya think any contraband they had wouldn't be hidden somewhere in the terminal area or with somebody else before they attempted to go through the checkpoint?

powrful1

I love when my boarding pass comes up SSSS....especially if it is the second leg of a commute...seriously! I can make an id right now that can pass through screening...yes you can get uniforms on ebay....but unless an imposter can access a cockpit while in air the issue is mute. CrewPass rocks...verification with independant system of CASS verifies "He is who he says he is!" Pilots are not gods, but do have great power in their hands....more than any weapon...but I am selfish...I look out for number one, and as long as number one is safe, the other 70-90ish people will be safe too!

ACEAV8R

That there my friend is FALSE. Matter of fact, CSA are screened possibly more than pilots are(think of the amount of time CSA has to go in and out of the SIDA area compared to the crew members). I don't know where you got that idea from but do a little more research on that.