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."

FMI: www.TSAsux.gov, www.TSA-self-inspection-video-tutorial.xxx