Originally Posted by
SDF_Traveler
You raise some good points -- I've been through aviation checkpoints around the world and with the exception of a one-off event at Heathrow, I've found it is a night and day difference between the TSA and security abroad.
I've seen other TSO's post on here (in the past) that "customer service" is not part of the job as a TSO, but at many points overseas while security is priority, you're treated as a customer, not as sheeple or just another face.
It's possible to provide "Security with a Smile" and I understand screeners in some nations overseas are required to go through customer service classes in addition to their security classes.
I believe such classes could go a long ways here, but I believe the problems go much deeper and work their way up to top management.
The Checkpoint Evolution stuff is supposed to change all this. Of course, I think the effectiveness of this initiative will depend on local management. We'll see....
Originally Posted by
HSVTSO Dean
Yeah, some of the people on the Idea Factory can be kind of... uh... vituperative at times, I'll say. Really though, I hadn't had much to do with the Idea Factory since the 2087hrs vs. 2080hrs discussion last year, and my Area 51 comment.
I still occasionally get on and scope it out, but nowhere near as much as I used to, or probably even should to keep up on current events with it.
It is worth skimming from time to time. I'm part of the NAC POC network, so I have to keep up with what's going on in the workforce. Some of the conversations are ridiculous, but I keep trying to advocate for the few useful ideas.
^ to the Area 51 comment.
Originally Posted by
knotyeagle
I was always in amazement how not even a high school diploma or GED is required to be a TSA screener. It really expands the pool of very limited talent and learning potential that TSA can hire from.
But then again this is the same agency that had convicted felons working in the secure area because they had not gotten around to doing a simple criminal history check on their new hires.
TSO job description: Required qualifications include:
"• Have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent; OR
• Have at least one year of full-time work experience in security work, aviation screener work, or X-ray technician work."
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob....&TabNum=3&rc=2
So, if you don't have a high school diploma or GED, you must be have "experience." Sure makes me feel better.
Clearly, you must federalize to professionalize.
Originally Posted by
knotyeagle
Allow me then spotnik. Last Tuesday I needed to be in North Florida which meant traveling from Fort Lauderdale (FLL and getting there 2 hours ahead of flight) to Orlando McCoy (MCO and then renting a car to drive for an hour. All said and done my travel time to FLL, wait 2 hours, fly 1 hour, rent a car and then drive was going to be 6 hours.
It suddenly occurred to me I did not have put up with any of my favorite TSA screeners at FLL. I went to Pompano Air Park (PMP) at 0645, got into the aircraft I reserved at 0700, and by 0710 I was airborne. Less than 2 hours later I was on the ground at Ocala (OCF), Florida. Two hours of my travel rather than 6 hours (including the infamous cohorts at FLL), and the client was only too happy pay for my travel at 2 hours rather than 6 hours.
My only regret was I did not see any TSA security inspectors that could trip and fall off the airplane they were "inspecting" and break their noses, nor any TSA screeners "screening" pilots/passengers and get run over while walking around the ramp looking their next "big catch".
But since the TSA has announced that general aviation aircraft is their next "heightened concern", I actually look forward to seeing a TSA screener (or a Behavior Detection Officer detect my behavior) trying to enforce their new found rules at the 22,000 public/private airports in this country.
The TSA is a total screw-up at the 490 airports where part 121 air carriers have scheduled service. It will be amusing to see how they plan expanding the security illusion 21,510 additional airports.
Oh and I almost forgot, the first time a TSA screener says to me "Do you want to fly today?" when I'm at at non-part 121 airport, my reply will be quite memorable for that screener.
TSA screeners have conducted "screening" operations at Annapolis (ANP) and Tipton (FME) airports in Maryland. Please don't be so hesitant to say they never would.
I am truly sorry for you and those others who are so bothered by TSA that you feel it necessary to specifically avoid commercial air travel just to avoid TSA security screening. This is not okay.
Frankly, although I understand your concern, I don't see how TSA could attempt to implement large scale screening operations at general aviation or private airports. As it is, they have trouble justifying funding for all their current operations, and trouble keeping the large number of part time employees necessary to adhere to their "optimum staffing" models. I also don't see how the average private plane is any more of a security risk than the average private passenger vehicle. I certainly don't see TSA expanding to set up checkpoints at every driveway. (Although, maybe I shouldn't be giving them ideas.)
Unfortunately, little of what I see reported about TSA surprises me any more. I wish I could have more faith in my agency, and I am trying to use the few options available to me to better things.