Fri, Apr 01, 2011
GA Associations In Quandary As To How To Respond To TSA's
Latest Security Mis-Step
ANN April 1st Special Edition:
ANN is monitoring the confusion and disbelief expressed by
virtually every major GA a association and personality over the
TSA's recent mandate to "eliminate a gaping hole in America's
Transportation Security programs."
TSA Boss John Pistole, with a straight face, gave a press
conference at the Washington Press Club Friday, in which he
described a program, "that was developed after intensive research,
consults and surveys within and of the GA industry." In a
compromise measure that attempts to balance calls for increased
security in GA operations against the individual liberties of GA
pilots, Pistole announced that new self-administered pat-down
program would be mandatory in the very near future. Acceptance has
been (at best) mixed within the GA community. While most pilots
knew that enhanced steps were going to be forthcoming from TSA, as
a 'necessary counter' to security threats, most complain that the
new procedures go too far.
The TSA has already developed an online video instructional
program that describes the necessary procedures and steps required
under the TSA SPDI (Self-Pat-Down Inspection) program and will
shortly require that all pilots view, and sign off as having taken
the online course, with a passing grade of 75% or more, before
exercising the privileges of their Airman's Certificate. Airmen
wishing to take the course must prove that they are at least 18
years of age, or have the consent of a parent or guardian, before
taking the course in order to avoid sensitivities over the "minor
sexual references and descriptions required to guarantee a thorough
and legal self-inspection process."
Pilot are not happy with the fact that the program, currently
voluntary, will shortly be made mandatory in order to be legal to
act as Pilot-In-Command -- and several fliers (after monitoring the
online course material) were rather shocked at the depth and detail
required for the procedures that will be required before EACH and
EVERY flight.
Said one unhappy pilot who asked to remain anonymous, "I really
think I crossed the line and started touching myself
inappropriately - I feel completely violated."
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