Today was the day...(The Michael Roberts/ExpressJet Story)
#481
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,704
I don't visit the US anymore BECAUSE I completely agree with those guys. And while it wasn't my reason for leaving the US, it makes me glad I did.
I do what I can from outside, in the hopes that someday I can feel comfortable returning.
I do what I can from outside, in the hopes that someday I can feel comfortable returning.
#483
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 15,978
Gotcha! games have no place in this forum but feel free to take it to OMNI or OMNI/PR if you must; otherwise, we're not at all fussed about mass suspensions for all who continue to indulge here.
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essxjay
TS/S moderator
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essxjay
TS/S moderator
#485
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
#486
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,598
#487
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,726
#488
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 39
Here is my official facebook page for this. I know some of you have already joined me through my personal profile, which is welcome, but I'll be putting most of the ongoing details about my interactions with the feds, the media, and the company on the official page.
There are several tv and radio interviews, articles, etc. posted there right now, and not a whole lot else yet.
There's a little message board, too. Right now I've just started a thread for anyone who might have any questions for me or suggestions for other threads. I want to keep it focused on my situation - not just a lot of general discussion (no need to reinvent the wheel, and I couldn't compete with FT if I wanted to!)
I've got so many connections in so many different places now it may be difficult to check in here as often, but please keep in touch. (Nearly) everyone on this board has been great - you're an awesome bunch of people and I hope to see you out there in the system in person again someday. Thanks for all the support and encouragement!
-m.
#489
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA Plat/1MM
Posts: 546
Yes, I'd like to hear her explanation on that as well!
Here is my official facebook page for this. I know some of you have already joined me through my personal profile, which is welcome, but I'll be putting most of the ongoing details about my interactions with the feds, the media, and the company on the official page.
There are several tv and radio interviews, articles, etc. posted there right now, and not a whole lot else yet.
There's a little message board, too. Right now I've just started a thread for anyone who might have any questions for me or suggestions for other threads. I want to keep it focused on my situation - not just a lot of general discussion (no need to reinvent the wheel, and I couldn't compete with FT if I wanted to!)
I've got so many connections in so many different places now it may be difficult to check in here as often, but please keep in touch. (Nearly) everyone on this board has been great - you're an awesome bunch of people and I hope to see you out there in the system in person again someday. Thanks for all the support and encouragement!
-m.
Here is my official facebook page for this. I know some of you have already joined me through my personal profile, which is welcome, but I'll be putting most of the ongoing details about my interactions with the feds, the media, and the company on the official page.
There are several tv and radio interviews, articles, etc. posted there right now, and not a whole lot else yet.
There's a little message board, too. Right now I've just started a thread for anyone who might have any questions for me or suggestions for other threads. I want to keep it focused on my situation - not just a lot of general discussion (no need to reinvent the wheel, and I couldn't compete with FT if I wanted to!)
I've got so many connections in so many different places now it may be difficult to check in here as often, but please keep in touch. (Nearly) everyone on this board has been great - you're an awesome bunch of people and I hope to see you out there in the system in person again someday. Thanks for all the support and encouragement!
-m.
#490
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
APA president advises against new body scanners
Looks like the AA pilots union is recommending pilots go for patdowns in a private area to protect their privacy and dignity. Imagine this could cause quite a backup at AA hubs like DFW or JFK, particularly for the early morning bank of flights. Have the employee unions for any other carrier come out with a similar policy? Hopefully these types of actions will support Mr. Roberts view in the long run, partiularly if their ultimate goal of being exempt from screening is achieved.
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/a...s-against.html
Allied Pilots Association president Dave Bates is suggesting that American Airlines pilots go through a pat-down search by Transportation Security Administration personnel rather undergo the repeated radiation from the "advanced imaging technology" body scanners used at many airports.
That doesn't mean he likes the pat-downs, which can include hand-sliding over the groin and buttocks.
"There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience," Bates told members in a message Monday.
"In my view, it is unacceptable to submit to one in public while wearing the uniform of a professional airline pilot. I recommend that all pilots insist that such screening is performed in an out-of-view area to protect their privacy and dignity," he wrote.
He wants TSA to come up with a way to let pilots avoid the same high-intensity searches that the public endures at TSA checkpoints.
"While I'm sure that each of us recognizes that the threats to our lives are real, the practice of airport security screening of airline pilots has spun out of control and does nothing to improve national security," Bates wrote.
"It's long past time that policymakers take the steps necessary to exempt commercial pilots from airport security screening and grant designated pilot access to SIDA utilizing either Crew Pass or biometric identification."
That doesn't mean he likes the pat-downs, which can include hand-sliding over the groin and buttocks.
"There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience," Bates told members in a message Monday.
"In my view, it is unacceptable to submit to one in public while wearing the uniform of a professional airline pilot. I recommend that all pilots insist that such screening is performed in an out-of-view area to protect their privacy and dignity," he wrote.
He wants TSA to come up with a way to let pilots avoid the same high-intensity searches that the public endures at TSA checkpoints.
"While I'm sure that each of us recognizes that the threats to our lives are real, the practice of airport security screening of airline pilots has spun out of control and does nothing to improve national security," Bates wrote.
"It's long past time that policymakers take the steps necessary to exempt commercial pilots from airport security screening and grant designated pilot access to SIDA utilizing either Crew Pass or biometric identification."
#491
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,558
Looks like the AA pilots union is recommending pilots go for patdowns in a private area to protect their privacy and dignity. Imagine this could cause quite a backup at AA hubs like DFW or JFK, particularly for the early morning bank of flights. Have the employee unions for any other carrier come out with a similar policy? Hopefully these types of actions will support Mr. Roberts view in the long run.
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/a...s-against.html
Allied Pilots Association president Dave Bates is suggesting that American Airlines pilots go through a pat-down search by Transportation Security Administration personnel rather undergo the repeated radiation from the "advanced imaging technology" body scanners used at many airports.
That doesn't mean he likes the pat-downs, which can include hand-sliding over the groin and buttocks.
"There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience," Bates told members in a message Monday.
"In my view, it is unacceptable to submit to one in public while wearing the uniform of a professional airline pilot. I recommend that all pilots insist that such screening is performed in an out-of-view area to protect their privacy and dignity," he wrote.
He wants TSA to come up with a way to let pilots avoid the same high-intensity searches that the public endures at TSA checkpoints.
That doesn't mean he likes the pat-downs, which can include hand-sliding over the groin and buttocks.
"There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience," Bates told members in a message Monday.
"In my view, it is unacceptable to submit to one in public while wearing the uniform of a professional airline pilot. I recommend that all pilots insist that such screening is performed in an out-of-view area to protect their privacy and dignity," he wrote.
He wants TSA to come up with a way to let pilots avoid the same high-intensity searches that the public endures at TSA checkpoints.
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/a...s-against.html
#492
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
1) It gives credence to the notion that the TSA's activity is actually effective and should continue to exist for the unwashed masses
2) It tacitly admits that subjecting passengers to these procedures is OK, even if its a violation of civil liberties
3) It sends the message that convenience for pilots is the only important thing, regardless of what happens to passengers
Special exemptions for crew would actually weaken the case against the TSA at this point, as we would no longer be able to count on incidents like this one to bring media attention to the situation. I'm mildly terrified that the TSA will give in to the ALPA just to make their current media problems go away, while continuing to thrust these civil liberty violations on unsuspecting passengers.
I do NOT support or condone any special exemptions for any class of people going through the checkpoint, including airport vendors/staff and even members of TSA itself.
#493
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I'd be interested if any airline employees that post here agree with that point of view. If the TSA does ultimately exempt them, would they get in line and not show their ID and go through a pat down to make a point?
#494
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,704
Exemptions for certain "special classes" from unwanted TSA procedures is NOT the route we want to go. This actually hurts our cause:
1) It gives credence to the notion that the TSA's activity is actually effective and should continue to exist for the unwashed masses
2) It tacitly admits that subjecting passengers to these procedures is OK, even if its a violation of civil liberties
3) It sends the message that convenience for pilots is the only important thing, regardless of what happens to passengers
Special exemptions for crew would actually weaken the case against the TSA at this point, as we would no longer be able to count on incidents like this one to bring media attention to the situation. I'm mildly terrified that the TSA will give in to the ALPA just to make their current media problems go away, while continuing to thrust these civil liberty violations on unsuspecting passengers.
I do NOT support or condone any special exemptions for any class of people going through the checkpoint, including airport vendors/staff and even members of TSA itself.
1) It gives credence to the notion that the TSA's activity is actually effective and should continue to exist for the unwashed masses
2) It tacitly admits that subjecting passengers to these procedures is OK, even if its a violation of civil liberties
3) It sends the message that convenience for pilots is the only important thing, regardless of what happens to passengers
Special exemptions for crew would actually weaken the case against the TSA at this point, as we would no longer be able to count on incidents like this one to bring media attention to the situation. I'm mildly terrified that the TSA will give in to the ALPA just to make their current media problems go away, while continuing to thrust these civil liberty violations on unsuspecting passengers.
I do NOT support or condone any special exemptions for any class of people going through the checkpoint, including airport vendors/staff and even members of TSA itself.
While I understand the argument that the pilot can cause havoc without bringing a weapon or explosives through the checkpoint, there should be uniform, reasonable security measures for everyone who goes airside.