FFDO Association (FFDOA)
 

I was wondering what peoples experiences with this organization have been? From what I can tell it's been around for a few years and I remember that they had some fliers posted at FLETC while I was down there so I assume it's sanctioned by TSA. Mainly I was wondering if it's worthwhile to join. I believe the yearly dues are $75 and all the web site says is that this gets you some very basic legal protection, access to forums and access to retail discounts. Doesn't sound like a whole lot for $75 to me. Do they have members which lobby congress and the TSA?

Just looking for some basic insight from existing members before I drop $75.

If you're a member, is it worth it to you?

I went online and signed up after I took the course, never heard a thing back... I never paid either though.

As an update to my original post after more careful examination it looks like the membership fee is only $55/yr. Also they offer a free membership, although it doesn't seem to provide anything at all from what I can tell.

I went to sign up for the free membership but it wants some pretty personally identifiable information including credential #'s, name and address and they require a photocopy of your graduation certificate. So I haven't done it until I get some verification in here that this thing is legit.

Started by a couple of UPS FFDO's that did a great deal of work to get the program in the freight industry.

If you have a FFDO liason with your pilot group communicate with them to get the details on the organization.

Anything new on this? The website seems like it's been down for a while, and I don't know what an FFDO rep is, but my airline doesn't have one anyways. Seems like it would be a nice resource, especially if you work at a small carrier and don't have any knowledgeable sources in your company.

I'd just join the NRA and call it good.

It was a good idea in theory, however......

The guys running it became much like the companyunion leaders many complain about. They became very cozy with the TSA management, so they could have a little bit of "inside info" no one else had and wound up not really representing the "rank and file" pretty much.

I believe some of them work(ed) hard, but the result is pretty much a big group hug.

One year they said their paid members were covered by an insurance policy in case they ever discharged their weapon. A year later it turns out, no one was covered.

They are able to arrange some decent discounts on gear for their members- so if you are really into guns and shooting, you could join and save some cheddar on the the hardware.

Why not call it the Flying Gun Nuts Association? It appears to be just as valuable as the FFDO program itself. If the latest FFDO in the news is a member will they replace the bullets he flushed down the lav?

Thanks for showing us your colors.

Flying Gun Nut......I resemble that remark... I like it.