[quote]How in the heck does the computer know that 1. You are a pilot for the largest cargo carrier in the world, 2. who bought the tickets for you, 3. you are who you say you are and 4. that you are a deadheading crew?
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Just remember the #1 rule when dealing with computers........garbage in, garbage out!
It would be VERY easy for Bluecrane's company (as well as any other airline that has it's crews deadhead on different carriers) to include some code denoting that he is a pilot for the company. Couple this with a positive ID card (using something like an ATM pin # system, voice scan, retina scane fingerprint etc. etc. etc. If I can buy goods all around the world with a credit card, then the powers that be can come up with a way to positively ID me!), then there would be no need for him to come up as a selectee, or even be subject to screening at all!
FWIW, on my company, when a company pilot jumpseats, he/she is not subject to the selectee crap......
[quote]At least one of the terrorists had a pilots licence, does this mean he should not have been searched ?<hr></blockquote>
Was he a UAL or AAL pilot?
[quote]I have a staff ID that does not carry a company name but has a site code BA, If I show this will they assume I am a BA pilot and not search me.<hr></blockquote>
The ID should positively ID you as a non threat. There are numerous ways to do this. ALPA's been trying for years to get this through. I would have though that in the wake of 9/11, that this issue, at least, would have been addressed. It hasn't. We got cute little stickers for our worthless SIDA badges (that only allow us to walk the 100 feet to and from our planes on the ramp....after we pass through security!) and I have to fill out an I-9 form, and have a secretary copy my passport to see if I am still eligible to work here (U.S. citizen, born and raised 121 ATP for 14 years!)!
[quote]penltbx2, I would have thought anyone who believes that somebody who does not fly an aircraft is "the lowest common denominators hired off the unemployment line yesterday" is probably not somebody that should be allowed anywhere near an airport. <hr></blockquote>
I'm not flaming you, but have you actually been screened in the US lately? I haven't been to the UK, so I can't comment on the IQ of your "security" screeners, but in the US, penltbx2's comment is the norm, rather than the exception. "Security" in the US seemes to attract the types that are otherwise unhirable. Speaking or understanding the english language is a sure way to NOT get hired! Surly and condescending attitude are a big plus!